The State Information Commission in Indore has not decided my second RTI appeal for two years. What can I do?

Detailed Legal Analysis

If the State Information Commission in Indore has not decided your second RTI appeal for two years, you can take legal action to seek a resolution. Here are the steps you can follow:

• File a Complaint: Under Section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2005, you can file a complaint with the State Information Commission regarding the delay in deciding your appeal. This can be done in writing or electronically.
• Seek Information: You can also seek information about the status of your second appeal. Under Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act, public authorities are required to maintain records and provide information to the public. This includes the status of pending appeals.
• Approach the Appellate Authority: If you have not already done so, you can approach the Appellate Authority of the State Information Commission. Under Section 19 of the RTI Act, you may file a first appeal with the Appellate Authority if your initial request was denied or not answered within the stipulated time.
• File a Writ Petition: If the above methods do not yield results, you can file a writ petition in the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. This article provides the High Court the power to issue directions or orders to any person or authority, including the State Information Commission.
• Seek Legal Counsel: Consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in RTI matters or constitutional law. They can assist you in drafting legal documents and represent you in court if necessary.
• Public Interest Litigation (PIL): If the delay in the decision is systemic and affects a larger group of people, you may consider filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court to address the issue of backlog within the State Information Commission.

It is important to document all your communications and appeals related to the RTI request. Keep copies of all submissions and acknowledgments, as they may be useful in your further actions.

In summary, you have several options, including filing a complaint with the State Information Commission, approaching the Appellate Authority, or filing a writ petition in the High Court. The Right to Information Act, 2005, provides you with the necessary framework to pursue these actions.