Kannan. R v. The Chief Information Commissioner

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 15.07.2022

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN R.Kannan ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Chief Information Commissioner, Tamil Nadu State Information Commission, No.2, Theagaraya Salai, Near Aalai Amman Koil, Teynampet, Chennai - 18.

2.The Appellate Authority/Commissioner, Kumbakonam Municipality, (now Kumbakonam Corporation), Kumbakonam.

3.The Public Information Officer, Kumbakonam Municipality, (now Kumbakonam Corporation), Kumbakonam.

...Respondents

Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent to dispose of the petitioner's second appeal dated 19.03.2022 and to furnish the 1/4

information as sought for by the petitioner in his application dated 11.01.2022 within a stipulated time that may be fixed by this Court and consequently to pay a compensation of Rs.25,000/- as per Section 20 of the RTI Act, 2005. For Petitioner : Mr.B.Anandan For R-1 : Mr.Raghuvaran Gopalan For R-2 and R-3 : Mr.M.Rajarajan, Standing Counsel.

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel on either side.

2. The petitioner sought information from the respondent Municipality under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Since, he did not get the information as sought for, he filed a first appeal and thereafter, a second appeal was also filed.

3. I can take judicial note of the fact that the Information Commission is loaded with thousands of petitions and appeals. It is not appropriate for this Court to permit the petitioner to jump the queue. It is for the Information Commission to take a call in the matter.

2/4

4. This Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. There shall be no order as to costs.

15.07.2022 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No Lm To 1.The Chief Information Commissioner, Tamil Nadu State Information Commission, No.2, Theagaraya Salai, Near Aalai Amman Koil, Teynampet, Chennai - 18.

2.The Appellate Authority/Commissioner, Kumbakonam Municipality, (now Kumbakonam Corporation), Kumbakonam.

3.The Public Information Officer, Kumbakonam Municipality, (now Kumbakonam Corporation), Kumbakonam.

3/4

G.R.SWAMINATHAN , J.

Lm 15.07.2022 4/4