RTI activist’s petition was dismissed by the Forum

RTI activist’s petition was dismissed by the Forum

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 31, 2013: RTI Activist B Prakash Bhat of Kodiabail in Mangalore had filed a petition against MCC officials for failing to furnish information under RTI in specific period, was dismissed by Dakshina Kannada District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum. The Forum noted that Bhat was making similar allegations against the officials on the same fact.

 On July 16, 2008, Prakash Bhat sought information under RTI regarding cattle shed at Kulai with MCC and the information was provided on July 28, 2008. Not contended with the reply, Bhat filed a petition before Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) on November 3, 2008, to which the then MCC Health Officer Manjayya Shetty gave reply on February 16, 2009.

Since Bhat denied receiving the information, Shetty again sent a copy of the same on April 20, 2009. Shetty and then MCC Commissioner Dr K N Vijayaprakash in their response to KIC had denied any delay in giving information.

In December, 2009, while disposing off the plaint, KIC warned Shetty to be careful and prompt in dealing with requests under RTI failing  which in future, would be recommended for recording in annual confidential report.

However Prakash Bhat, accusing Principal Secretary for Urban Development and Directorate of Municipal Administration for not taking any steps to discipline Manjaya Shetty again filed a complaint with District Consumer forum and demanded compensation of Rs 25,000. But on October 5, 2010, he District Forum dismissed Bhat’s plaint against MCC officials and two others.

The complaint then approached State Commission which in turn sent back the complaint to the District Forum for fresh inquiry.

As the complaint was already disposed by the KIC at Bangalore, the Forum maintained that Bhat’s complaint deserves no merit.