Belagavi RTI activist Bheemappa Gadad has written to the state Governor demanding swift action against Information Commissioners accused of weakening the RTI Act. He warns that legal recourse will be pursued if the grievances are not addressed promptly.

Key Takeaways

  • RTI activist files a formal complaint to the Governor seeking reforms in the State Information Commission.
  • Commissioners are accused of violating the RTI Act and rejecting applications without legal basis.
  • If immediate investigation is not undertaken, the activist will resort to legal action.

Belagavi‑based RTI activist Bheemappa Gadad has lodged a written grievance with the Karnataka Governor, asserting that the State Information Commission (SIC) is undermining the purpose of the Right to Information Act. The complaint, supported by several civil‑society groups, highlights a pattern of non‑compliance and alleged misuse of power by the chief and other information commissioners.

Legal Framework and Background

The Right to Information Act, 2005 was enacted to promote transparency and accountability by granting citizens access to government records. The State Information Commission, headed by a Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and assisted by additional commissioners, is tasked with overseeing the Act’s implementation. In 2022, the Supreme Court issued a directive mandating a transparent selection process, including the formation of an independent search committee for appointments.

Allegations Against Commissioners

Gadad alleges that the Karnataka government bypassed the Supreme Court’s directive, appointing the CIC and other commissioners without the required search committee. Moreover, commissioners have threatened to blacklist activists who file more than 25 RTI applications—a measure not grounded in any statute. Numerous applications have been summarily rejected with trivial justifications, effectively curtailing citizens’ right to information.

The Governor’s Constitutional Duty

Under Article 153 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor serves as the constitutional head of the state and is responsible for safeguarding its institutions. Gadad urges the Governor to exercise this authority by initiating disciplinary action against errant officials within the SIC. He warns that, failing a prompt investigation, he will approach the courts, potentially escalating the matter to a high‑court litigation that could compel systemic reforms.

Implications for Governance

Should the Governor act decisively, it would reinforce the credibility of the RTI framework in Karnataka, restoring public confidence and setting a precedent for other states. Conversely, inertia could embolden similar non‑compliance across the nation, eroding the foundational tenets of transparency and accountability that the RTI Act seeks to uphold.