Missing files in Kerala Government offices is a criminal offence, says RTI Commission

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala state RTI Commission has made it clear that missing files in government offices is considered a criminal offence. As per the Public Records Act, such incidents can lead to a prison sentence of up to five years, along with fines starting from Rs 10,000. This warning was issued by State RTI Commissioner Dr A Abdul Hakeem.

Maniyur Grama Panchayat missing file case

The commission's statement comes in response to the missing file incident at the Maniyur Grama Panchayat. RTI authorities have given a 14-day deadline to locate the missing document.

The RTI Commission has issued summons to six officials who failed to attend the scheduled hearings. These include two officials from the Wayanad District Scheduled Tribes Development Office, and two officials from the Kozhikode District North Zone Vigilance, the headmaster of Eravannur AUP School, and the SHO of Palakkad Sholayar Police.

The commission has also made it clear that the summoned officials will have to appear in person for the hearings. The RTI Commission also reviewed a complaint regarding the Neyyattinkara District Education Office, which allegedly failed to provide information as requested.