The Central Information Commission (CIC) recently reprimanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its prolonged silence in response to a Right to Information (RTI) Act request concerning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. The Commission expressed "severe displeasure" over the ECI's failure to furnish the requested information for over a year, labeling it a "gross violation" of RTI regulations.
The RTI inquiry, initiated by former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer M G Devasahayam, sought details about the actions taken by the ECI in response to a representation concerning the credibility of EVMs and VVPAT machines in elections. Despite repeated attempts to obtain information, Devasahayam was met with silence from the ECI, prompting him to escalate the matter through successive appeals.
Chief Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya admonished the ECI for its non-compliance with RTI guidelines and instructed the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) to provide a written explanation for the delay. The CIC's order demanded accountability from the ECI, emphasizing the importance of adhering to statutory timelines for responding to RTI requests.
The development underscores the significance of transparency and accountability in the functioning of electoral bodies, especially concerning critical aspects like the integrity of voting procedures. By holding the ECI accountable for its lapse in responding to the RTI request, the CIC reaffirms the principles of open governance and citizen empowerment through access to information.
Going forward, the CIC's directive serves as a reminder to public authorities, including the ECI, of their obligation to promptly address RTI requests and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in their operations. As India's democracy evolves, ensuring transparency in electoral processes becomes paramount to maintaining public trust and confidence in the integrity of democratic institutions.
The CIC's intervention in this matter exemplifies its role as a guardian of citizens' right to information, advocating for accountability and transparency in the functioning of government bodies. Through its decisive action, the CIC upholds the spirit of the RTI Act and reinforces the foundational principles of democratic governance in India.
