Here are the key takeaways from the analysis of the legal struggle between Yogi M. P. Singh and the electricity department officials in Mirzapur:
1. Systematic Obstruction of Transparency
The Public Information Officer (PIO) of the Electricity Distribution Division (EDD-I) failed to provide information within the mandatory 30-day window. The response was finally provided only after a delay of six months, and only after a Second Appeal was lodged with the State Information Commission.
2. Violation of Section 6(3) of the RTI Act
The PIO claimed the requested information (videography of a raid) belonged to the Anti-Power Theft Police Station. Under the law, the PIO was required to transfer the request to the correct department within 5 days. Waiting six months to redirect the applicant is a flagrant violation of the RTI Act’s procedural mandates.
3. Suppression of Critical Evidence
The core of the dispute involves Hakimun Nisha, who is accused of electricity theft. The department is withholding the videography/CD recorded during the inspection. This footage is essential for the accused to prove their innocence against what are described as “cryptic and false” allegations.
4. Disregard for the State Information Commission
Despite repeated notices from the Uttar Pradesh State Information Commission (Court S-9), the PIO has failed to comply with disclosure orders. This indicates a breakdown in administrative accountability, where local officials feel empowered to ignore the state’s highest transparency body.
5. Demand for Legal Sanctions
The appellant is seeking strict action under the law, including:
- Invocation of Section 20 penalties (fines) against the PIO.
- The immediate release of the inspection video footage.
- Accountability for the “mockery” made of the RTI process by the Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam officials.
The Crisis of Accountability: When PIOs Defy the State Information Commission
In a democratic setup, the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is often hailed as the “sunlight” that disinfects the dark corridors of bureaucracy. However, recent events in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, reveal a troubling trend: Public Information Officers (PIOs) are increasingly treating the Act—and the orders of the State Information Commission (SIC)—as mere suggestions rather than legal mandates.
The case of Appeal Registration Number A-20240901014 serves as a stark reminder of how administrative stonewalling can obstruct justice for the common citizen.
1. The Core Conflict: Transparency vs. Bureaucratic Evasion
At the heart of this dispute is a grievance filed by Yogi M. P. Singh regarding an alleged false electricity theft report against a vulnerable woman, Hakimun Nisha. To prove her innocence, the applicant requested the videography and CD footage recorded by the vigilance team during their raid.
Despite the RTI application being filed in May 2024, the PIO of the Electricity Distribution Division (EDD-I), Mirzapur, failed to provide the information within the statutory 30-day limit. This delay is not just a procedural lapse; it is a denial of the right to a fair defense.
2. A Chronology of Delays
The timeline of this case highlights a deliberate attempt to exhaust the applicant:
- 29 May 2024: Original RTI application filed.
- 17 September 2024: Second Appeal filed due to lack of response.
- 30 November 2024: The PIO finally “disposes” of the request—six months late—only to redirect the applicant elsewhere.
The reply from Executive Engineer Yogesh Kumar claimed the information belonged to the Anti-Power Theft Police Station. This brings us to a critical legal violation of Section 6(3) of the RTI Act.
3. The Violation of Section 6(3): Passing the Buck
Under Section 6(3), if a PIO receives a request for information held by another department, they are legally obligated to transfer that request within five days.
In this instance, the PIO waited over 180 days to tell the applicant that the information belonged to the police station. This “ping-pong” strategy is a common tactic used by officials to frustrate citizens until they abandon their pursuit of the truth.
“The transfer must occur within five days… and the applicant must be informed immediately. Waiting six months to suggest a transfer is a mockery of the law.”
4. The “Missing” Videography: A Breach of Accountability
The most critical piece of evidence requested is the videography/CD of the inspection. In cases of electricity theft, departmental guidelines usually mandate video recording to ensure the process is not used for harassment.
By refusing to provide this footage, the Executive Engineer (EDD-I) and the S.H.O. of the Anti-Power Theft Police Station raise serious questions:
- If the allegations of theft are legitimate, why hide the evidence?
- Does the footage contradict the official written report?
- Why has the department ignored repeated notices from the State Information Commission?
5. Disrespecting the State Information Commission (SIC)
The most alarming aspect of this case is the PIO’s disregard for the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission (UPIC). When a public servant ignores repeated notices from a statutory body like the SIC, it signals a breakdown in the rule of law.
The Commission has the power to impose penalties under Section 20(1) of the RTI Act—amounting to ₹250 per day up to a maximum of ₹25,000—and to recommend disciplinary action. In the case of EDD-I Mirzapur, such penalties seem not only justified but necessary to restore the dignity of the Act.
6. The Human Cost: The Case of Hakimun Nisha
Behind the file numbers and legal jargon is Hakimun Nisha, a woman facing “cryptic allegations” of electricity theft. For a citizen of limited means, a false theft charge can lead to financial ruin and social stigma. The RTI was her only tool to access the “evidence” used against her. By withholding the CD of the videography, the department is effectively stripping her of her right to a fair trial.
7. Conclusion: The Need for Stringent Penalties
The case of Yogi M. P. Singh vs. PIO (EDD-I Mirzapur) is a litmus test for the RTI’s efficacy in Uttar Pradesh. If PIOs can ignore the Commission and the Law without consequence, the RTI Act becomes a “dead letter.
What must happen next?
- Immediate Sanctions: The UP Information Commission must move beyond notices and impose maximum financial penalties on the erring PIOs.
- Compulsory Disclosure: The Commission should direct the S.H.O. and the Executive Engineer to produce the CD in court on the next hearing date (23rd April 2025).
- Accountability: Higher authorities in Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. must investigate why their officers are suppressing evidence.
Transparency is not a favor granted by the government to the people; it is a right. It is time the officials in Mirzapur are reminded of that fact.
To help you in your upcoming hearing on 23rd April 2025, here are the comprehensive contact details for the authorities involved in your case. These details are essential for sending reminders or serving formal notices regarding the non-compliance of the PIOs.
1. Uttar Pradesh State Information Commission (UPIC)1
This is the statutory body currently hearing your second appeal.
- Case Details: Court S-9 | File No. S09/A/1665/2024
- Official Website: upsic.up.gov.in
- Hearing Court Email:
hearingcourts9.upic@up.gov.in - General Email:
webmaster-upic@up.gov.in - Address: 7/7A, RTI Bhawan, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, UP – 226010.2
- Contact Number: 0522-27249303
2. Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. (PuVVNL) – Mirzapur
The primary public authority responsible for your RTI request and grievance.
| Designation | Name of Officer | Mobile Number | Email ID |
| Executive Engineer (EDD-I) | Shri Yogesh Kumar | 9450963597 | ee.1mirzapur@puvvnl.in |
| Superintending Engineer | Shri Ram Das | 9415304000 | se.mirzapur@puvvnl.in |
| Chief Engineer (Mirzapur Zone) | Shri J.P.N. Singh | 9450963509 | ce.mirzapur@puvvnl.in |
| Department Email (Gen) | — | 05442-256134 | eddimirzapur@gmail.com |
3. Anti-Power Theft Police Station (Vigilance)
The unit allegedly holding the videography/CD evidence.
- Officer-in-Charge: Station House Officer (S.H.O.)
- Vigilance Team Mobile: 8887156945 (Mirzapur Squad)4
- Vigilance Email:
vigilancemzp@gmail.com - Departmental Contact: 8887154852 (CUG for Anti-Power Theft units)5
4. RTI Online Portal (Uttar Pradesh)
For technical queries or tracking the official status of your digital filing.
- Web Link: rtionline.up.gov.in
- Help Desk Email:
onlinertihelpline.up@gov.in - Technical Support: 0522-71186296
Important Web Links for your Case
- UP RTI Online Login: Submit/Track Appeal
- PuVVNL Directory: Officer Contact List
- District Mirzapur Utility: Electricity Office Details
Next Steps for You:
Since your hearing is on 23rd April, would you like me to help you draft a “Notice of Non-Compliance” to be emailed to the Chief Engineer and the Superintending Engineer today? This would create a digital paper trail showing they were warned before the hearing.
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