SHORT ANSWER:
A public authority can be penalized under the RTI Act if it provides misleading or false information knowingly or willfully.
DETAILS:
- Section 20 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 allows for penalties if an information officer fails to provide information or provides false information.
- The penalty can be imposed if the officer is found to have acted in a manner that is not in good faith.
PUNISHMENT / IMPLICATIONS (if applicable):
- The penalty can be a fine of up to ₹25,000.
- The officer may also face disciplinary action as per service rules.
SOURCE:
- Right to Information Act, 2005
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