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MCD Veterinary Officer Penalized for Delayed RTI Response on Stray Dogs
MCD veterinary officer fined Rs 25,000 over stray dog info delay
Image: The Indian Express
The Central Information Commission imposed a fine of ₹25,000 on a veterinary officer from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for failing to respond to a Right to Information (RTI) request regarding stray dogs. The complainant was awarded ₹10,000 in compensation due to the unnecessary hardships caused by the delay.
- 01The complainant's RTI application, filed on December 29, 2022, included 29 inquiries regarding stray dog welfare and related data.
- 02Despite multiple appeals, the officer failed to provide a timely response, leading to unnecessary litigation.
- 03The commission found evidence of deliberate resistance to disclose information, violating the RTI Act.
- 04The officer claimed that the RTI application was never received in his office, attributing the delay to administrative lapses.
- 05The commission mandated a review of compliance with the RTI Act within the Veterinary Services Department of the MCD.
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The Central Information Commission (CIC) has fined a veterinary officer from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) ₹25,000 for delaying a Right to Information (RTI) response regarding stray dogs, which resulted in unnecessary litigation and hardship for the complainant. The complainant, who filed the RTI application on December 29, 2022, sought detailed information on stray dog welfare, including sterilization and vaccination data. Despite multiple appeals, the officer failed to provide timely responses, prompting the complainant to escalate the matter to the CIC. The commission found that the officer's actions demonstrated a 'determined and deliberate resistance' to disclosure, violating the RTI Act. In addition to the fine, the complainant was awarded ₹10,000 in compensation for the distress caused. The CIC also directed the MCD commissioner to review compliance with the RTI Act in the Veterinary Services Department, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in public service.
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The ruling emphasizes the importance of timely responses to RTI requests, which can enhance accountability in municipal services.
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