Question

The penalty for delay in providing information under Right to information Act, 2005 is laid down under :

• A. Section 18
• B. Section 20
• C. Section 19
• D. Section 17

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Section 20

Section 20 of the RTI Act, 2005

• Section 20 of the Right to Information Act, 2005, specifically addresses the imposition of penalties.
• It empowers the Information Commission (Central or State) to impose a penalty of ₹250 per day of delay on the Public Information Officer (PIO).
• The total amount of penalty shall not exceed ₹25,000.
• The penalty is imposed if the PIO:
  • Refuses to receive an application for information.
  • Does not furnish information within the specified time limits.
  • Malafidely denies the request for information.
  • Knowingly gives incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information.
  • Destroys information which was the subject of the request.
  • Obstructs the process of providing information in any manner.
• The burden of proving that the PIO acted reasonably and diligently lies on the PIO concerned.
• Additionally, the Information Commission can recommend disciplinary action against a PIO who persistently fails to provide information without reasonable cause, under the service rules applicable to them.