SHORT ANSWER:
Yes, Indian courts can impose penalties on government officials for failure to comply with the Right to Information Act.
DETAILS:
- Under Section 20 of the Right to Information Act, 2005, penalties can be imposed on Public Information Officers (PIOs) for not providing information or for providing false information.
- The penalty can be up to ₹25,000.
- The penalty is imposed after a proper inquiry is conducted by the State or Central Information Commission.
PUNISHMENT / IMPLICATIONS (if applicable):
- If a PIO fails to comply with the Act, they may face disciplinary action, including fines and departmental proceedings.
SOURCE:
- Right to Information Act, 2005
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