Central Information Commission
Bansilal Nautiyal vs Indian Council Of Agricultural ... on 19 January, 2026
क ीय सुचना आयोग
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
बाबा गंगनाथ माग
Baba Gangnath Marg
मुिनरका, नई िद ी - 110067
Munirka, New Delhi-110067
िशकायत सं ा/Complaint No. : CIC/ICARH/C/2024/127718
Bansilal Nautiyal .... िशकायतकता/Complainant
VERSUS
बनाम
CPIO: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
New Delhi .... ितवादीगण/Respondent
Date of Hearing : 15/01/2026
Date of Decision : 15/01/2026
INFORMATION COMMISSIONER : Ashutosh Chaturvedi
Relevant facts emerging from Appeal/Complaint:
RTI application filed on 09/05/2024
CPIO reply dated Not on Record
First appeal filed on 28/06/2024
FAA's order dated Not on Record
Complaint filed on 23/08/2024
Information sought:
The complainant has filed RTI application dated 09/05/2024 seeking the following information:-
"सूचना अिधकार अिधिनयम 2005 के अंतगत सहायक पद के ारा थापना सह क ूटर बे ड परी ा (सीबीटी) िव ापन सं. 2/2022 Recruitment Cell / Administrative (CBT) के तहत सूचना ाथना।
Second Appeal/Complaint No. - CIC/ICARH/C/2024/127718 Page 1 of 4
1. उपरो िवषय म अ िथयों को िनयु अभी तक नहीं ई है, इसका कारण बताने की कृपा कर।
2. उपरो िवषयक भत म फाइनल रज की थित बताने की कृपा कर।
3. उपरो िवषयक भत म वतमान कुल पदों की सं ा बताने की कृपा कर।
4. उपरो िवषयक भत की वतमान थित / गित बताने की कृपा कर।
5. दो वष के उपरांत भी अभी तक िनयु ों नहीं की जा सकी।
6. उपरो िवषयक भत म िकन-िकन ेिणयों म, कहाँ-कहाँ पर कुल िनयु होनी है, बताने की कृपा कर। तथा वहाँ पर िनयु का आधार बताने की कृपा कर।"
2. As on 16.05 2024, the Nodal officer transferred the RTI Application to the senior administrative officer of the recruitment cell, and considering no further action was taken by them the complainant filed the First Appeal on 28/06/2024. Since no information was provided in respect of the First Appeal, the complainant approached the Commission by filing the instant Complaint on 23/08/2024.
3. A written submission dated 12/01/2026 was provided by the respondent stating-
"1. The Appellant/Complainant Sh. Bansilal Nautiyal has requested the following information vide RTI request dated 09/05/2024 in reference to Computer Proficiency Test for the post of Assistant (Advt. No. 2-1/2022/Rectt. Cell/Administrative (CBT). The information sought by the Appellant is as follows:"
Etc....
4. Relevant Facts emerged during Hearing:
The following were present:-
Complainant: Absent Respondent: Ratan Sen AAO/CPIO, Recruitment Section participated in the hearing in person.
The complainant has not availed the opportunity to appear before the Commission to plead his case. The respondent apologized for the delay caused in responding to the RTI Application. He further submitted that the RTI application was received in offline mode as per the records and same was misplaced and the reply couldn't be provided within the stipulated time limit.
Decision:
In the light of the facts of the case, the material on record and the submission made by the parties, the commission directs the CPIO to send the copy of the written submission dated 12.01.2026 to the Appellant free of cost via speed post within 15 days from the date of receipt of this order and accordingly compliance report to this effect be duly sent to the Commission within 7 days thereafter. Second Appeal/Complaint No. - CIC/ICARH/C/2024/127718 Page 2 of 4 Further the Commission expresses severe displeasure on the conduct of Respondent for the gross violation of the provisions of RTI Act. It is noted that the statutory duty to reply to the RTI application within the prescribed time limit has not been discharged. The delay in resolution of the matter has now extended beyond one year, which is inconsistent with the object of the Right to Information Act to promote transparency and accountability.
It is hereby directed to the Respondent to show cause as to why a maximum penalty of Rs. 25000 should not be imposed on him for failing to comply with the provisions of RTI Act. A written submission in this regard should reach the Commission within 15 days from the date of receipt of this order, failing which ex- parte action may be initiated against the concerned CPIO.
The Commission deems it appropriate to reiterate that the Right to Information Act, 2005, is a powerful instrument enacted to empower citizens, ensure transparency in governance, promote accountability of public authorities, and facilitate informed participation in democracy. Any undue delay, negligence, or failure in complying with its provisions not only defeats the very object of the Act but also erodes public trust in the system. The Commission is, therefore, duty- bound to ensure strict adherence to the statutory timelines and processes so that the RTI Act continues to serve as an effective tool for upholding the rule of law, fostering good governance, and protecting the citizens' fundamental right to know.
The Complaint stands disposed of.
Sd/-
Ashutosh Chaturvedi (आशुतोष चतुवदी) Information Commissioner (सूचना आयु ) िदनांक/ Date:15.01.2026 Authenticated true copy (अिभ मािणत स ािपत ित) Ram Singh Meena (राम िसंह मीना) Dy. Registrar (उप पंजीयक) 011- 26715467 Second Appeal/Complaint No. - CIC/ICARH/C/2024/127718 Page 3 of 4 Address of the Parties:
1. Central Public Information Officer, Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Pusa, New Delhi-110012
2. Bansilal Nautiyal Second Appeal/Complaint No. - CIC/ICARH/C/2024/127718 Page 4 of 4 Recomendation(s) to PA under section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005:-
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