Introduction Shielding Corrupt Officials in UP

Uncover how shielding corrupt officials in Uttar Pradesh not only undermines the Right to Information Act but also erodes the foundational principles of transparency and accountability for citizens, creating a culture of mistrust and apathy among the populace. This lack of openness prevents citizens from accessing crucial information that impacts their lives, ultimately hindering their ability to hold officials accountable and participate actively in the democratic process. When corruption remains hidden behind bureaucratic barriers, it fosters an environment where unethical behavior can thrive, further diminishing the effectiveness of governance and public service.

When the RTI Act is Mocked: The ‘Copy-Paste’ Epidemic Shielding Corrupt Officials in UP

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, was originally hailed as a revolutionary tool for transparency in India, as it promised citizens a mechanism to demand accountability and expose corruption. However, nearly two decades later, a disturbing trend has emerged, particularly within state information commissions like the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission (UPIC). Specifically, Public Information Officers (PIOs) are increasingly using evasive tactics—most notably the mechanical “copy-paste” reply—to thwart legitimate inquiries. Consequently, this is not just administrative laziness; rather, it is a calculated strategy for shielding corrupt officials in UP, specifically protecting registry staff and hiding systemic corruption.

The Anatomy of Evasion: Tactics Used for Shielding Corrupt Officials in UP

In particular, the core issue lies in how PIOs handle multi-point RTI applications. When a citizen files an RTI seeking specific details—especially those involving internal processes or accountability—the PIO’s legal obligation is to provide a point-wise, substantive response. Instead, many have adopted a formulaic approach designed to confuse the applicant and delay the release of vital information.

A classic example of this tactic is the overuse of the phrase “As per Point No. 1” (बिन्दु संख्या 1 के अनुसार).

For instance, imagine a scenario where a citizen asks five distinct questions regarding an unexplained delay in a government department:

• Point 1: A certified copy of the final order.
• Point 2: The daily progress note-sheet of the file.
• Point 3: The name of the specific officer handling the physical file.
• Point 4: The Citizen Charter timeline for the process.
• Point 5: The protocol for taking action against the responsible staff for the delay.

On the one hand, a compliant PIO would attach the order for Point 1 and then provide the specific documents and names for the subsequent points. On the other hand, a corrupt or evasive PIO will provide the order for Point 1 and simply write “As per Point No. 1” for Points 2 through 5.

For example, how can a final order answer a request for an officer’s name? Similarly, how does it explain the Citizen Charter? Obviously, it doesn’t. Ultimately, this is a deliberate refusal to provide information under the guise of answering.

Why Do PIOs Use This Tactic for Shielding Corrupt Officials in UP?

In fact, this mechanical disposal of RTI applications serves several nefarious purposes:

1. Shielding Internal Staff from Accountability

First and foremost, the primary reason PIOs use the “copy-paste” method is to protect their colleagues. For instance, when an RTI asks for the specific name and designation of a dealing assistant or clerk responsible for a delayed or missing file, providing that name makes the individual accountable. By refusing to disclose this information, the PIO ensures that the “system” remains faceless. Furthermore, if a clerk delays a file for months regarding grassroots corruption (like embezzled Gram Panchayat funds), keeping their identity hidden prevents the citizen from filing a specific grievance against them, thereby shielding corrupt officials in UP from any real repercussions.

2. Buying Time and Frustrating the Applicant

In addition, the RTI process is often a war of attrition. By providing absurd, non-sensical replies, the PIO forces the citizen into the lengthy appeals process. As a result, the applicant must file a First Appeal, wait for a hearing, and then likely file a Second Appeal with the Information Commission. Naturally, this can take years. Consequently, many citizens abandon their pursuit out of sheer exhaustion, which is exactly what the corrupt officials want.

3. Avoiding Section 8 and 9 Justifications

Under the RTI Act (Sections 8 and 9), a PIO can only deny information if it falls under specific exemptions (e.g., national security, third-party privacy). Moreover, if a PIO denies a request, Section 7(8) explicitly requires them to state the reasons for the refusal. Nevertheless, the “As per Point No. 1” tactic is a clever workaround. Indeed, the PIO isn’t technically saying “no”; instead, they are pretending they have answered the question. Consequently, this allows them to avoid the legal burden of justifying a denial under the Act’s strict exemptions while continuing their pattern of shielding corrupt officials in UP.

The Role of the First Appellate Authority in Protecting UP Public Information Officers

Unfortunately, the tragedy of the RTI system is often compounded at the First Appeal stage. Specifically, the First Appellate Authority (FAA), usually a senior officer in the same department, is supposed to act as a check on the PIO. However, in many cases, the FAA merely acts as a rubber stamp, ultimately shielding corrupt officials in UP by protecting their subordinates.

For instance, when a citizen appeals against a “copy-paste” reply, pointing out the absurdity of the PIO’s response, a complicit FAA will issue a non-speaking order. Indeed, they will summarily dismiss the appeal with a mechanical phrase like, “The information provided by the PIO is complete” (जनसूचनाधिकारी द्वारा उपलब्ध करायी गयी सूचनाएं / जानकारी पूर्ण है).

As a result, this failure of the FAA to apply their mind to the specific grounds of the appeal effectively insulates the PIO from scrutiny and defeats the very purpose of the internal appeal mechanism.

The Legal Remedy: Section 20(1) Penalties to Counter Shielding Corrupt Officials in UP

When the system fails at the PIO and FAA levels, the final hope lies with the Information Commissions (like the UPIC or CIC). Fortunately, the law provides a sharp tool for dealing with evasive officials: Section 20(1) of the RTI Act.

Specifically, Section 20(1) empowers Information Commissions to impose a penalty of ₹250 per day (up to a maximum of ₹25,000) on a PIO if the Commission determines that the PIO has, without any reasonable cause:

• Refused to receive an application.
• Not furnished information within the time specified.
• Malafidely denied the request for information.
• Knowingly given incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information.

Undoubtedly, a reply that says “As per Point No. 1” to a question asking for an officer’s name is the textbook definition of “incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information.”

The Importance of Strict Enforcement Against UP Official Impunity

Therefore, for the RTI Act to retain its teeth, Information Commissions must aggressively use Section 20(1).

1. Establishing Precedent: For example, when Commissions consistently penalize PIOs for “copy-paste” replies, it sends a clear message across all public authorities that evasive tactics will have personal financial consequences.
2. Shifting the Burden: Furthermore, the burden of proof to justify the denial or incomplete information rests entirely on the PIO. As a result, if a PIO cannot logically explain how a final order answers a request for a note-sheet, the penalty must be swift.
3. Compensating the Citizen: Meanwhile, while Section 20(1) punishes the official, Section 19(8)(b) allows the Commission to award compensation to the applicant for the detriment suffered due to the delay and evasion.

A Call to Action for RTI Activists Fighting UP Corruption

Consequently, citizens and activists facing these tactics must not be deterred. Specifically, when drafting appeals:

• Highlight the Absurdity: For instance, create clear tables (like the one above) demonstrating exactly how the PIO’s response failed to address the specific query.
• Demand Penalties: Explicitly pray for the initiation of penalty proceedings under Section 20(1) in your Second Appeal.
• Call Out the FAA: Do not let the First Appellate Authority off the hook. Highlight their failure to issue a reasoned, speaking order.

In conclusion, the RTI Act is only as strong as its enforcement. Above all, the “copy-paste” epidemic is a direct threat to transparency, serving primarily as a mechanism for shielding corrupt officials in UP who misuse public funds. Therefore, by persistently challenging these evasive replies and demanding strict penalties, citizens can force public authorities to respect the law and the right to accountability. Ultimately, the fight against administrative secrecy is a marathon, not a sprint, and exposing these tactics is the vital first step toward reclaiming the power of the RTI Act.

Case Directory & Contact Information Extract

For ease of reference, below is the consolidated list of all application IDs, tracking numbers, contact details, and web links extracted from the provided RTI and appeal documents.

1. Application, Appeal, and Case IDs

• RTI Application Registration No. (Section 6(1)): UPICM/R/2026/60310 (Dated: 22-05-2026)
• RTI Application Transaction ID: UPICMR20260000000353
• First Appeal Registration No. (Section 19(1)): UPICM/A/2026/60127 (Dated: 26-06-2026)
• Second Appeal Registration No. (Current Case): A-20260803149 (Dated: 29-08-2026)
• Second Appeal File/Case No. (Current Case): S01/A/1787/2026
• Second Appeal Diary No. (Current Case): D-111020260041
• Underlying Second Appeal No. (Root Case): S09/A/0494/2025
• Underlying Second Appeal Registration No.: A-20250200829
• Underlying Second Appeal Diary No.: D-220520260032
• Hearing Notice No. (Current Case): 202610S01N100056 (Dated: 01-10-2026)

2. Mobile Numbers

• Ashok Kumar Maurya (Appellant): 9619971441
• Mumtaz Ahmad (Public Information Officer / SPIO): 9151804317
• Dr. Tejaskar Pandey (First Appellate Authority / FAA): 8707224450

3. Email Addresses

Primary Parties:

• Appellant (Ashok Kumar Maurya): ashokkumarmaurya9619971441@gmail.com
• PIO/SPIO (Mumtaz Ahmad): jansu-section.upic@up.gov.in
• FAA (Dr. Tejaskar Pandey): deputysecretary-upic@up.gov.in

Commission Hearing Courts:

• Hearing Court S-1 (Hon’ble Chief Information Commissioner): hearingcourts1.upic@up.gov.in
• Hearing Court S-9 (Hon’ble Commissioner Smt. Shakuntala Gautam): hearingcourts9.upic@up.gov.in

Other Officials (Marked in CCs from Emails):

• DPRO Mirzapur (Santosh Kumar): dpromi-up@nic.in
• BDO Chhanbey: bdo.chhanbey96@rediffmail.com
• Gram Panchayat Adhikari (Dileep Yadav): dileepline4@gmail.com

4. Web Links & Portals

• Uttar Pradesh Information Commission (UPIC) Official Portal: https://upsic.up.gov.in/
• UP RTI Online Portal: https://rtionline.up.gov.in
• eGramSwaraj Portal (Financial Vouchers & Public Info): https://egramswaraj.gov.in

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