Consider the following statements: A Public Information Officer will b

Consider the following statements:
A Public Information Officer will be liable to be imposed a monetary penalty for

  • refusal to receive an information application.
  • not providing information within specified time limits.
  • destroying information.

Which of the above statements are correct ?

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
All three statements are correct. A Public Information Officer is liable to be penalised for refusal to receive an application, failure to provide information within the time limit, and destruction of information.
Section 20(1) of the RTI Act, 2005, specifies the grounds on which the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission may impose a penalty on a Central Public Information Officer or a State Public Information Officer. These grounds include:
– Refusal to receive an application for information.
– Failing to furnish information within the time specified.
– Malafidely denying the request.
– Knowingly giving incorrect, incomplete or misleading information.
– Destroying information which was the subject of the request.
– Obstructing in any manner the furnishing of the information.
All three statements listed in the question fall under these grounds for penalty.
The penalty imposed under Section 20(1) is fifty rupees for each day of delay until the information is furnished, not exceeding twenty-five thousand rupees. Before imposing a penalty, the Commission is required to give the PIO a reasonable opportunity of being heard. The burden of proof that he acted reasonably and diligently lies on the PIO.
Exit mobile version