📝 Transparency in Action: Your RTI First Appeal Filed for Seeking Accountability 🚨

The filing of your First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 was successful, marking a significant achievement in your quest for accountability and transparency.
This pivotal milestone not only reinforces your commitment to pursuing the truth but also exemplifies the critical role that citizens play in holding public institutions accountable for their actions.

By taking this step, you are advocating for transparency and accountability in public administration, which is essential for fostering trust between the government and the citizens it serves.
You lodged this appeal because the Public Information Officer (PIO) neglected to provide the requested information within the established timeframe, thereby undermining the fundamental principles of the RTI Act.
The PIO’s failure to meet the mandatory 30-day timeline for responding to such requests is not merely an administrative oversight; it is a clear violation of Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, which mandates timely access to information.
This situation highlights the importance of exercising your rights under the law and serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges individuals may face when seeking to obtain information that should rightfully be accessible to them.

---

Appeal Summary and Key Details for Seeking Accountability

Here are the essential registration details of your First Appeal for your record.
Accountability is crucial at this stage when seeking an explanation from the responsible authorities, as it ensures that they are held to their commitments and obligations.
In addition to the registration details, be sure to keep a record of all correspondence and documentation related to this appeal, as it will provide a solid foundation for your case and reinforce the importance of transparency in the decision-making process.
By actively engaging with the authorities and requesting timely responses, you can help motivate them to address your concerns effectively.

Detail	Particulars
Appeal Registration Number	SPMZR/A/2024/60039
Date of Filing	16-11-2024
Filed With	SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE OFFICE MIRZAPUR
Ground for Appeal	No Response Within the Time Limit
Concerned Appellate Authority (FAA)	ABHINANDAN, Designation: MIRZAPUR
FAA Contact (Phone/Email)	05442252578 / spmzr-up@nic.in

Original RTI Request Details

The original application, which did not receive a timely response, has the following details that highlight its significance and the urgency of the matter.
Seeking accountability through such requests not only ensures transparency but also strengthens the trust between the public and those in power.
By fostering a culture of responsiveness and responsibility, we can create an environment where public officials are held to account for their actions and decisions, ultimately leading to improved governance and a more engaged citizenry.
This process is vital, as it empowers individuals to voice their concerns and expectations, thereby contributing to a more just and equitable society.

• RTI Registration Number: SPMZR/R/2024/60182
• Date of Filing: 01/10/2024
• PIO Approached: OM PRAKASH SINGH, ASP OPERATION
• Status on 01/10/2024: RTI REQUEST RECEIVED

The Core Violation

Your original RTI was filed on October 1, 2024. According to Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, the PIO must provide the information within 30 days, ensuring that citizens have timely access to the information they seek from public authorities. Alternatively, the PIO can reject the petition within the same period, but this should be accompanied by a clear explanation for the denial. If the matter concerns life or liberty, they have a 48-hour limit to respond, emphasizing the urgency of such situations and the necessity for swift action.
However, despite following the stipulated guidelines and regulations, you breached the legal deadline by not receiving any information by November 16, 2024. This clearly indicates a lack of compliance from the PIO, which undermines the transparency and accountability principles that the RTI Act aims to uphold.
Therefore, seeking accountability became necessary due to this breach, compelling you to file this appeal in an effort to assert your rights and to ensure that proper procedures are followed by public authorities in the future.

---

Information and Relief Sought

The appeal demands the provision of the requested information, emphasizing the necessity for transparency and accessibility in administrative processes.
It also requests action against the defaulting PIO for the statutory violation, urging that appropriate measures be taken to uphold the integrity of the system.
Ensuring accountability is at the core of this process, as it not only addresses the immediate issue but also sets a precedent for future conduct.
Seeking accountability makes public servants responsible for their duties, fostering an environment where ethical standards are prioritized and citizens’ rights to information are respected.
By holding individuals accountable, the appeal reinforces the trust between the public and the governing bodies, ultimately enhancing the democratic process and promoting a culture of responsibility within public service.

Information Requested (Pertaining to NCR No – 0104/2024 Date: 14/09/2024)

1. Name and posting details of the Investigation Officer (IO). Include their date of joining Mirzapur and Vindhyachal police station. This officer investigated the said NCR while seeking accountability.
2. A copy of the medical examination report from the Community Health Center, Vindhyachal.
3. The reason for not carrying out an X-ray test of the broken finger of the information seeker.
4. A copy of the IO’s investigation report.
5. If the investigation is incomplete, the estimated time taken to complete it.

Relief and Prayer to the FAA

• To take appropriate action against the Public Information Officer (PIO) for violating Section 7(1) of the RTI Act.
• To direct the PIO to give the requested information to the appellant at the earliest, ensuring the accountability process is successful in the quest for seeking this responsibility from public officials.

---

What Happens Next in the Appeal Process in Seeking Accountability?

The First Appellate Authority (FAA), ABHINANDAN, now mandates that you review your appeal. The FAA will examine:

1. The PIO’s failure to respond within the stipulated 30-day period.
2. The merits of your information request.

The FAA typically has 30 days to decide on the appeal. If the FAA records the reasons in writing, it takes up to 45 days. If the FAA finds that the PIO was at fault, they can:

• Order the PIO to promptly give the information.
• Impose a penalty on the PIO. You should do this as per Section 20 of the Act. Do this if you prove the PIO acted maliciously or without reasonable cause. The authorities can impose a penalty of up to ₹25,000.
• Recommend disciplinary action against the PIO.

In condition you are, dissatisfied with the FAA’s decision, seeking accountability becomes crucial. If the FAA does not respond within the given time, you should file a Second Appeal. You should do this with the State Information Commission (SIC).

---

This is a comprehensive record of your appeal. Would you like me to set a reminder for the FAA’s deadline for a decision? The deadline is 30 days from 16-11-2024. I can also suggest the next steps to ensure accountability in this process.

Mahima Maurya sought information from PIO in office of S.P. Mirzapur