Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar SIC Bench Achieves Lowest Pendency in Maharashtra
Official data has revealed that the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar bench of the State Information Commission (SIC) in Maharashtra has achieved a significant milestone by recording the lowest pendency among the state's eight benches as of the end of February. With only 185 second appeals pending under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, this bench stands out for its efficiency in handling cases.
Efficiency Driven by Organised Measures
Headed by State Information Commissioner Prakash Indalkar, the bench has reached this low pendency through a series of organised measures aimed at reducing the backlog of second appeals. Indalkar has previously attributed the bench's success to effective administrative planning and a public-centric approach, which have streamlined processes and improved response times for applicants.
Comparison with Other Benches
In stark contrast, other SIC benches in Maharashtra are grappling with much higher pendency rates. According to the latest SIC report, the Konkan bench leads with 3,566 pending second appeals, followed closely by Mumbai with 3,455 and Greater Mumbai with 2,864. The remaining benches also show significant backlogs: Amravati has 2,327 pending appeals, Nashik has 784, Pune has 645, and Nagpur has 643. Across the entire state, a total of 14,469 second appeals are pending before various SIC benches, highlighting the widespread challenge of case management.
Importance of Applicant Satisfaction
Civic activist Pravin Shinde has emphasised that while reducing pendency is crucial, the satisfaction of applicants must remain a top priority. He stated, "While accelerating the disposal of second appeals, the interests of applicants should remain paramount. It must not happen that an applicant is denied justice, especially since the second appeal is the final remedy available." This underscores the need for a balanced approach that ensures timely resolutions without compromising on fairness and justice for RTI seekers.
Understanding Second Appeals Under the RTI Act
Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, a second appeal serves as the final administrative recourse for applicants who are dissatisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority (FAA). Filed under Section 19(3) of the Act, this appeal must be submitted within 90 days of receiving the FAA's decision, or within 90 days after the expiry of 45 days from filing the first appeal if no response is received. This legal framework ensures that citizens have a mechanism to seek transparency and accountability from public authorities.
The achievement of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar bench sets a positive example for other benches in Maharashtra, demonstrating that with proper planning and a focus on public service, significant improvements in case disposal can be made. As the state continues to address the backlog, lessons from this bench could inform broader strategies to enhance the efficiency of the RTI system across India.
