AP Information Commission Dismisses 102 RTI Appeals
The commission observed that Gopal had filed hundreds of RTI applications since 2002: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh State Information Commission has dismissed 102 appeals filed by B. Gopal of Kuderampalli village in Kundurpi mandal of Anantapur district, observing that his repeated use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act was driven by personal motives rather than public interest.
Chief information commissioner Vajja Srinivas Rao and State Information Commissioner Gajula Adenna, after hearing the batch of cases, directed officials not to entertain future RTI applications from Gopal if they are found to be intended for personal gain.
The commission observed that Gopal had filed hundreds of RTI applications since 2002, many of them repetitive, and had sought explanations, grievance redressal and action-taken reports beyond the scope of the Act.
During hearings on August 20, September 9 and September 15, officials submitted that Gopal had filed more than 300 applications, including repeated queries on issues that had already been answered.
The commission also noted allegations that he had demanded money from farmers after obtaining details of their land and assets through RTI applications. Revenue officials submitted statements from individuals who claimed to have paid him.
The commission directed the Anantapur district collector to probe whether Gopal had misused eligibility norms to obtain a white ration card despite owning land, a house and a two-wheeler.
Citing Supreme Court and High Court judgments, the Commission said public authorities were required to provide existing records but not create new information or respond to speculative queries. It warned against misuse of the RTI Act for harassment or personal enrichment and urged responsible use of the legislation.