President’s Office Fined MVR 2,000 for Failing to Respond to RTI Requests on Time

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICOM) has fined the President’s Office MVR 2,000 for failing to respond to requests submitted under the Right to Information (RTI) Act within the legally prescribed timeframes.

The fine pertains to the a case submitted by Raajje TV to the information commissioners office, regarding the President’s Office not replying to RTI’s submitted by the outlet in time, or with complete information. 

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During an online hearing of the case held between the outlet, and ICOM, Information Commissioner Ahmed Ahid said the President’s Office was penalised after repeatedly failing to provide requested information within the deadlines set out under the RTI Act.

He added that some RTI requests submitted to the President’s Office had remained unanswered for more than four months, describing the delays as a matter of concern.

According to Ahid, the failure to respond within the required timeframe amounted to an obstruction of the Information Commissioner’s duties under the Act.

The President’s Office was fined MVR 2,000 in relation to the violation.

The Information Commissioner’s Office is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the RTI Act and ensuring public authorities comply with their legal obligations to provide access to information within the prescribed time limits.