RTI Act: Gujarat High Court Notice Issued in Case of Officer Fined for Withholding Information

The Gujarat High Court has issued a notice to the Gujarat Information Commission and concerned officers following a challenge by government employee Ketki Vyas against a Rs 5,000 penalty imposed on her for not providing information under the Right to Information Act, 2005. \r

Vyas, a Class 1 administrative officer, faced charges last year related to alleged conspiracy and installing a spy camera in the district collector's office. She refused RTI information to politician Ramesh Chavda, citing third-party details. Despite later providing the information, a penalty was imposed by the Information Commission. \r

Vyas contends the penalty was unjust as the information was provided, and the appeal was made with malintent. The High Court has sought a response by June 24.