HC orders for compensation for ignoring the order of Information Commission
18 Feb, 2013An application was filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act seeking to get some information regarding the implementation of MGNREGS at Ucheckon Nongpok Gram Panchayat in Manipur. As the state PIO failed to provide the requested information within 30 days, the applicant filed the first appeal with the first appellate authority. When the first appellate also failed to furnish the demanded data, the applicant filed the second appeal with the State Information Commission (SIC) of Manipur.
The Manipur information commission found that the failure on the part of public authorities led to suffering of the appellant and directed the rural development department of Manipur to pay a compensation amount of Rs. 10, 000 to the appellant within 15 days of the receipt of order.
As the commission’s order was not complied with, the appellant then filed a petition with Imphal bench of Guwahati High Court. The court, after hearing the matter, has directed the Principal Secretary (Rural Development & Panchayati Raj) to pay a compensation of Rs. 10,000 to the complainant within one month.