There is good news for those information seekers under RTI Act, who inspite of their best efforts and intentions are not provided information by CPIO. The issue whether failure to furnish information without valid reason constitutes a deficiency in service for which compensation can be sought by filing a consumer complaint has been decided by the National Consumer Commission in a trendsetting judgment.
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An applicant under the RTI Act has to pay fees for getting the information, and hence he acquires the status of a consumer. If there is any deficiency in service in respect of providing such information, a complaint could be filed under the CPA for claiming compensation. This landmark and historic judgment is a new milestone, both for RTI as well as consumer activists, for holding the authorities accountable to the citizen.
