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

Detailed Legal Analysis

If the State Information Commission in Jabalpur has not decided your second RTI appeal for two years, you can take several steps to seek resolution.

• File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the State Information Commission regarding the delay in your appeal. Under Section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the Commission has the authority to inquire into any complaint regarding the non-compliance of the Act.
• Drafting a Reminder: Send a formal reminder to the State Information Commission. In your reminder, include:
  • Your RTI application details.
  • The date of your second appeal.
  • A clear request for an update or a decision.
• Seek Information through Other Means: You may also want to seek information regarding the status of your appeal through a separate RTI application to the State Commission itself. This can help you track the timeline and reasons for the delay.
• Approach Higher Authorities: If the above measures do not yield results, you can escalate the matter to higher authorities. You may consider the following:
  • The Chief Information Commissioner of Madhya Pradesh.
  • The Governor of Madhya Pradesh.
• Judicial Intervention: As a last resort, you may seek judicial intervention by filing a writ petition in the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. You can request the court to direct the State Information Commission to expedite the decision on your appeal.

Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, specifically Section 19(3), if the information is not provided within the stipulated time, you can also approach the Commission for penalties against the public authority involved for failing to provide information in a timely manner.

Keep in mind that persistent follow-up can often yield results. Ensure that all your communications are documented, and maintain copies for your records. It is advisable to seek legal assistance if you face challenges at any step of this process.