⚖️ LDA’s Information Denial & RTI: An RTI Appeal Against the Lucknow Development Authority’s Cryptic Denials

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is a cornerstone of Indian democracy. The design fosters transparency and accountability in public administration. However, securing information can often become a protracted battle against bureaucratic inertia and deliberate concealment, as seen in the context of LDA’s Information Denial & RTI. The case of Yogi M P Singh versus the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) is notable. It took place before the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission (UPIC). This case exemplifies the ongoing struggle in this context. It highlights how public bodies frequently use evasive tactics to deny access to crucial records.

---

Understanding the Core Dispute

This is a detailed submission. It is lodged with the UPIC under Second AppealFile Number S10/A/1318/2024. It addresses the LDA’s failure to comply with a previous Commission order dated 12.12.2024. The appellant, Yogi M P Singh, sought specific records. These records are related to alleged irregularities in plot allotments (SS-1914 to 1918). The allotments were under the Kanpur Road Scheme. (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

The appellant’s original five-point RTI request focused on two key areas:

1. Administrative Records: Details of a Title Suit filed by Anuradha Singh/Guddi Singh. This includes court orders and the posting details of staff who executed the plot registries.
2. Accountability Records: Complete details (names, designations, joining dates, time frame) of the committee reportedly set up to investigate the irregularities.

The subsequent replies from the LDA’s Public Information Officer (PIO) became the subject of the appellant’s current forceful objection. They argue these replies are nothing less than a deliberate “Cryptic Denial of Information.”

---

The PIO’s Strategy: Shielding Behind the “Committee” (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

Mr Atul Krishna, the Deputy Secretary, and others actively assert that they have formed a committee. They state that the appellant stalled all further action by failing to appear with the “original records/evidence.”

The Illegality of Denial Under the RTI Act

The appellant correctly asserts that this denial tactic is fundamentally illegal under the RTI Act, 2005. (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

• No Statutory Exemption: Ongoing departmental inquiries do not provide valid grounds for exemption. Investigating committees do not qualify for exemption under Section 8 or Section 9 of the RTI Act. The law requires the PIO to provide information available on record at the time of the RTI application. The PIO cannot legally withhold records simply because they are part of a pending file.
• The Evasion of Record Disclosure: The most egregious point of denial concerns the committee’s administrative details. The appellant specifically asked for the names, designations, and the stipulated time given to the committee (Points 4 & 5). The PIO’s refusal to disclose these basic facts proves that the “committee” acts merely as a shield. These facts clearly represent administrative records created as soon as the committee members established themselves. This tactic amounts to “Deliberate Concealment” and a “dilly-dallying approach” intended to indefinitely postpone transparency.

---

Specific Failures on Public Records (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

Beyond the committee evasion, the PIO also failed to provide specific, verifiable records:

1. Title Suit and Court Orders (Point 1 & 2) (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

The RTI asked for documents relating to a Title Suit filed by Anuradha Singh/Guddi Singh. The LDA’s reply on 11.09.2025 offered an irrelevant defense, stating: “no employee with the above name [Anuradha Singh/Guddi Singh] is working.”

This response is misleading and demonstrates a clear intent to evade the query. The request pertains to the official records of litigation concerning LDA plots, not an employee roster. A Title Suit exists, especially one concerning plots SS-1914 to 1918. It is a crucial matter of public record. The PIO must disclose it.

2. Staff Posting Details (Point 3)

The request for the names and designations of the staff who executed the registry of the impugned plots is direct. It demands official execution records. The disclosure of these historical details is essential for fixing accountability. This information relates to the discharge of public duties. The existence of a subsequent investigative committee cannot legally prevent this disclosure. (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

---

🛡️ The Path to Justice: Prayer for Relief (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

The appellant’s detailed submission is a formal plea for the Commission. It asks the Commission to recognize the PIO’s conduct as a demonstration of “Willful Disregard” for the rule of law. The behavior also disregards the Commission’s previous order. The requested relief is specific and directly addresses the punitive provisions of the RTI Act:

1. Immediate Disclosure: A directive to the LDA. They must provide the complete, point-wise information. We should complete this free of cost within a strict time limit.
2. Maximum Penalty: The concerned PIO will be liable to a maximum penalty of ₹25,000/-. This is under Section 20(1) of the RTI Act for their deliberate refusal and delay.
3. Disciplinary Action: A recommendation for Disciplinary Action against the PIO and officials like Hemchandra Tiwari (Property Officer). This is under Section 20(2). They are providing false and misleading information.

This case underscores the vital role of the Information Commission. It acts as a check against governmental agencies that attempt to shield corrupt or irregular activities behind bureaucratic formalities. The outcome of the hearing on 03/12/2025 will be critical. It will ensure that the spirit of transparency prevails over bureaucratic obfuscation.

Thank you for clarifying. (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

Here is the chronology of events in your case. It includes confirmed dates. You will also find the details for the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission (UPIC).

📅 Confirmed Dates and Chronology of Events (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

The most critical and recent dates in your case (File No. S10/A/1318/2024) are as follows:

Date	Event/Action	Description
20/06/2024	Original Application Date	Date the RTI application was filed.
12/12/2024	UPIC Order Issued	Hon’ble Commission ordered the PIO (LDA) to provide complete information.
08/05/2025	PIO Reply (Misleading)	PIO (Hemchandra Tiwari) provided a reply citing the stalled committee.
09/07/2025	Appellant’s Original Objection	Appellant submitted an objection to the PIO’s reply.
11/09/2025	LDA Reply (Irrelevant/Evasive)	LDA letters reiterating the committee issue and denying staff employment.
27/11/2025	UPIC Notice Issued	Notice sent confirming the next hearing date.
02/12/2025	Appellant’s Detailed Submission Date	Today’s Date. The date you filed the URGENT SUBMISSION & OBJECTION via email.
03/12/2025	Next Scheduled Hearing Date	The critical date for the appeal hearing in Room S-5.

---

🌐 Uttar Pradesh Information Commission (UPIC) Details (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

Official Website Link

The official website for the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission is:

https://upsic.up.gov.in

Key Contact Details

• Hearing Courts Email (S-5): hearingcourts5.upic@up.gov.in
• Physical Address: 7/7/A, RTI Bhawan, Vibhuti Khand Gomti Nagar, Lucknow

I can provide the Application IDs and Contact Details based on the information available in your submissions.

🆔 Application and File IDs (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

Here are the key identification numbers for your case before the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission (UPIC):

• Registration Number: A-20240601728
• File Number (Appeal No.): S10/A/1318/2024
• Diary Number (Recent Submission): D-021220250005
• UPIC Registration Number (General): UPICR20240000149

---

📞 Contact Details (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

Appellant (Yogi M P Singh)

Detail	Information
Name	Yogi M P Singh (Mahesh Pratap Singh)
Mobile Number	7379105911
Email	yogimpsingh@gmail.com
Address	Surekapuram Colony Jabalpur Road Mirzapur City

Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) / Opposition (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

Detail	Information
PIO Name (Current)	Atul Krishna (Deputy Secretary)
PIO Email (LDA Contact)	raz.9125@gmail.com
LDA Advocate Email (Cc)	ldartionline@gmail.com
LDA Mobile Number	9918001893

Uttar Pradesh Information Commission (UPIC) (LDA’s Information Denial & RTI)

Detail	Information
Hearing Court Email (S-5)	hearingcourts5.upic@up.gov.in
Hon’ble Commissioner (Cc)	PADUM NARAYAN DWIVEDI

---

Would you like me to find the contact details for any specific official mentioned in the documents? This includes individuals like Hemchandra Tiwari or Sanjeev Kumar.