RTI Applicant Reprimanded Over Alleged Harassment of Women Doctors

The Andhra Pradesh State Information Commission has dismissed a complaint filed by an RTI applicant against two women doctors at Munnangi Primary Health Centre in Guntur district, taking note of allegations that he had harassed the medical officers under the pretext of seeking information.

A bench comprising commissioners Dr Rehana Begum, Gajula Adenna and V.S.K. Chakravarthy reprimanded the complainant, Maddirala Subba Rao, over his alleged conduct towards Dr Neha and Dr Priyanka.

The commission took note of allegations that Subba Rao and his associates had made threatening phone calls, including late at night, sent intimidating messages and recorded videos and photographs of the doctors without their consent.

The bench observed that the Right to Information Act was intended to ensure transparency and accountability and should not be used as a tool for personal vendetta or harassment.

Referring to the Supreme Court judgment in CBSE versus Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011) 8 SCC 497 and relevant Central Information Commission decisions, the bench said repeated RTI applications should not be used to harass individuals or obstruct the functioning of government officials.

The commission directed the Guntur Superintendent of Police to inquire into the alleged harassment and take appropriate action. It also asked the District Medical and Health Officer to assess the doctors' safety and ensure adequate security at their workplaces, particularly during night duty.

The bench stressed that the RTI Act must be used responsibly and honestly.