High Court Notices To GHMC Commissioners Over RTI Delay
- High Court notices highlight RTI Act dispute and pending explanation
- Petitioner alleges officials ignored RTI orders issued on November 24
The High Court issued notices to former GHMC Commissioner K. Ilambarthi and current GHMC Commissioner R. V. Karnan after a petitioner alleged that the officials did not provide information under the RTI Act despite clear court directions. The court responded after Vaddam Shyam filed a fresh petition stating that the authorities did not follow the High Court’s order dated November 24 directing them to share the information he requested.
Hearing the petition, High Court Judge Nagesh Bhimapaka expressed strong displeasure at the conduct of the IAS officers. The judge asked both officials to explain why the court should not take action against them for contempt of court. The court noted that its earlier directive was explicit, yet the officials did not act.
Meanwhile, the High Court told the officers to file a counter affidavit by January 26. The court said that it would accept the petitioner’s affidavit if they failed to respond. The judge also warned that a fine of Rs. 10,000 could be imposed if the officials did not comply with the order. The court’s remarks underscored the seriousness of ignoring judicial directions, especially in matters linked to the RTI Act.
The petitioner claimed that the delay in providing information violated the spirit of transparency mandated by law. He argued that the authorities had ignored the previous ruling, forcing him to return to court. The judge’s reaction indicated that compliance with RTI-related orders is essential for public accountability. The court made it clear that such lapses by senior officials cannot continue without consequences.
The matter will now move forward as the court waits for the counter affidavits. The case has again drawn attention to the need for timely responses to RTI requests, especially when the court has already intervened. Further action will depend on the explanations offered by the two GHMC Commissioners.
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