The RTI Appeal Process Explained: The Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, thereby promoting transparency and accountability. If, however, a request is denied or addressed unsatisfactorily, applicants can subsequently file an appeal. Specifically, they must submit the first appeal to the senior official of the concerned department within 30 days of the decision. If they still find the response unsatisfactory, they may then file a second appeal before the Information Commission within 90 days of the first appeal’s outcome. This process not only ensures that citizens can challenge decisions but also enables them to access the information to which they are entitled, ultimately fostering greater governmental transparency.

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 Electricity Distribution Division’s (EDD-I) Public Information Officer (PIO) failed to provide information within the mandatory 30-day window. They finally provided the response after a delay of six months and only after the State Information Commission received a second appeal.

2. Violation of Section 6(3) of the RTI Act (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

The PIO claimed that the requested information (videography of a raid) belonged to the Anti-Power Theft Police Station. However, according to the law, the PIO must transfer the request to the correct department within 5 days. Consequently, waiting six months to redirect the applicant constitutes a flagrant violation of the RTI Act’s procedural mandates.

3. Suppression of Critical Evidence

The core of the dispute primarily involves Hakimun Nisha, who faces serious accusations of electricity theft. Consequently, the department withholds the videography/CD recorded during the inspection. This footage, therefore, is essential for the accused to prove their innocence against what they describe as “cryptic and false” allegations.

4. Disregard for the State Information Commission (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

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: (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

• 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.

RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens: 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. (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

The case of Appeal Registration Number A-20240901014 serves as a stark reminder of how administrative stonewalling can obstruct justice for the common citizen.

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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. (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

Despite filing the RTI application in May 2024, the Electricity Distribution Division (EDD-I), Mirzapur‘s PIO failed to provide the information within the statutory 30-day limit. This delay is not just a procedural lapse; it denies the right to a fair defence.

2. A Chronology of Delays (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

The timeline of this case highlights a deliberate attempt to exhaust the applicant: (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

• 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 that the information belonged to the Anti-Power Theft Police Station. Consequently, this brings us to a critical legal violation of Section 6(3) of the RTI Act.

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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. (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

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.”

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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, consequently, departmental guidelines usually mandate video recording to ensure that the process is not used for harassment. (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

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:

1. If the allegations of theft are legitimate, why hide the evidence?
2. Does the footage contradict the official written report?
3. Why has the department ignored repeated notices from the State Information Commission?

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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. (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

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 also necessary to restore the dignity of the Act.

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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, consequently, a false theft charge can lead to financial ruin and social stigma. The RTI, therefore, was her only tool to access the “evidence” used against her. By withholding the CD of the videography, the department is, in effect, stripping her of her right to a fair trial. (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

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7. Conclusion: The Need for Stringent Penalties (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

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 favour granted by the government to the people; it is a right. It is time the officials in Mirzapur are reminded of that fact.

To assist you effectively in your upcoming hearing on 23rd April 2025, here are the comprehensive contact details for the authorities involved in your case. Furthermore, these details are essential for sending reminders or serving formal notices regarding the non-compliance of the PIOs.

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1. Uttar Pradesh State Information Commission (UPIC) (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

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 (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

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) (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

The unit is 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) (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

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

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Important Web Links for your Case (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

• UP RTI Online Login: Submit/Track Appeal
• PuVVNL Directory: Officer Contact List
• District Mirzapur Utility: Electricity Office Details

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Next Steps for You: (RTI Appeal Process Explained for Citizens)

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.