I have filed a PIL in the Madras High Court, through advocate MV Swaroop @TnagarTornado who was kind enough to take up this matter and argue it in court, seeking to strengthen the RTI regime in this country.
@VakashaS @AnjaliB_ @nikhilmkss @SaketGokhale
thequint.com/voices/opinion…
The PIL seeks-
1. The constitution of a "Special COVID Bench" at the Central Info Commission & Tamil Nadu SIC to hear pandemic related matters on a priority basis because they may become infructuous if the normal waiting time of 2 years is followed.
@seemay @RTIExpress
2. It also seeks a unique email ID to be created by every public authority to receive RTIs & Appeals concerning life and liberty during this pandemic. This was ordered by the CIC in April but as expected, no action by @DoPTGoI
@maryashakil @nit_set @SaketGokhale
3. For the long term, it seeks fixing of guidelines for the disposal of cases at the Info Commissions. Due to various reasons it takes almost 2 years for the matter to be heard. Cases do not involve complex legal arguments and it is cruel to keep people waiting for 2 years.
4. Lastly, it seeks separate guidelines to hear matters concerning life and liberty at the Information Commissions & tighter timeframes on First Appellate Authorities to dispose of such life and liberty first appeals.
All these as per many observations of Supreme Court and HCs.
The Modi govt managed to dilute the RTI Act in 2019. It is time that we citizens fiercely protect our rights and fight to strengthen this law that has helped lakhs of people solve their problems and helped bring in transparency and accountability✊
#JawabDenaPadega
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