Thread by @SauravDassss

A continuous assault on transparency by the Modi govt since 2014.

They don't even listen to the Supreme Court of this country. Despite SC ordering appointment of Info Commissioners in Nov 2019, till date those 4 vacancies haven't been filled.

What's more shocking is this-

1/n

https://twitter.com/newsclickin/status/1299642328852738048

The Centre filed a so-called "Compliance report" informing the SC that they have complied with its orders.

But vacancies still existed!

Is this not contempt of court? Is this not lowering the dignity of the Supreme Court? How can one so brazenly lie on an affidavit?

2/n

Now last month, I requested the now retired Chief IC Bimal Julka to constitute a "COVID-special bench" to expeditiously hear all matters relating to the pandemic.

"You can't have everything your way Mr. Das" is what I got as a response from the Chief.

Was my demand wrong? 3/n

Now the total vacancies have skyrocketed to FIVE! The total strength should be 11.

36000 cases pending. Remember, time is of the essence in the RTI Act. Can one wait for 2 years to get their case heard at the Commission?

Less than 1% cases involve complex legal arguments. 4/n

99% matters are simple & straightforward & takes the Commissioners just 10-15 minutes to decide.

So is the 2 year waiting period justified? It's torture and strangulation of the transparency regime!

@SaketGokhale
@AnjaliB_
@nikhilmkss @TnagarTornado @RURALINDIA @RTIExpress