RTI ActKarnataka State Information CommissionGovernment OfficialsPenaltiesRight to Information
Karnataka State Information Commission Imposes Fines on Officials for RTI Act Violations
Published: May 10, 2026
Loading article...
Loading article...
The Karnataka State Information Commission’s Kalaburagi Bench has imposed penalties on several government officials, including gram panchayat secretaries and development officers, for failing to furnish information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act within the stipulated time and for remaining absent during hearings. State Information Commissioner B. Venkata Singh said the penalties were imposed during hearings in April against officials who failed to respond to notices issued by the commission or neglected providing information sought by applicants.
The commission imposed fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 on officials, including Kalaburagi Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Lakshman Shringeri, Assistant Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department in Gangavati taluk Devanna Katti, and Raichur taluk Grade-II Tahsildar Parashuram.
A total of 564 cases were taken up for hearing during April, and 229 cases were disposed of, according to Commissioner Singh.
The commission has taken steps to ensure speedy disposal of RTI cases and create awareness among officials about the provisions of the RTI Act, including conducting workshops in several districts, with another workshop scheduled in Vijayanagara district on May 30. The court will resume hearing on pending cases in the coming days.