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

Detailed Legal Analysis

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

Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, the designated authority is obligated to hear and decide appeals in a timely manner. However, delays may occur due to various administrative reasons. Here are the steps you can consider:

• File a Complaint with the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC): You can file a complaint about the inaction of the State Information Commission directly with the Chief Information Commissioner. This can be done under Section 18 of the RTI Act, which allows for complaints against the failure of the Commission to decide matters.
• Submit a Reminder Application: Send a formal reminder application to the State Information Commission, referencing your previous appeals and requesting an update on the status. Ensure to include all relevant details, such as your application number, dates, and any correspondence.
• Seek Judicial Intervention: If there is still no response, you can approach the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for a writ of mandamus. This legal remedy can compel the State Information Commission to perform its duty and decide on your appeal.
• Engage Legal Assistance: Consider consulting a lawyer who specializes in public interest litigation or RTI matters. They can help draft necessary applications or represent you effectively in court.
• Publicize the Delay: You may also consider raising public awareness about the delay through social media or local news outlets. This could pressure the Commission to expedite the decision-making process.
• File an RTI Query for Status Update: You can file another RTI application seeking information on the status of your second appeal, the reasons for the delay, and the expected timeline for a decision. This can be a strategic way to keep the issue alive.

It is essential to keep a record of all your communications and applications related to the RTI appeals for future reference. Remember that timely action is crucial to ensure that your request is addressed appropriately.