SIC seeks clarification from Kochi Corporation on move to share details of RTI applicants

The State Information Commission has decided to seek an explanation from Kochi on the civic body’s reported move to hand over details of those filing “excessive number” of Right to Information (RTI) applications to the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

The decision was taken at the Commission’s meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Information Commissioner Hari Nair, noted that the announced move amounts to a curtailment of the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed to citizens under Article 19(1)(c). No agency can impose any restrictions or act contrary to the provisions of a law passed by Parliament. The announced move to hand over details of those making an “excessive number” of requests to Vigilance to probe their financial data would act as a deterrent to those seeking information from the agency as envisaged by law, the meeting noted.

Incidentally, the civic association decided last week to hand over data on those who have repeatedly submitted applications under the law to the Security and Anti-Corruption Office to investigate their assets based on reported complaints that several applicants are abusing the provisions of the law.

The Hindu had earlier reported that the Commission might seek clarification from the local body in this regard.

The commission will write to the secretary of the Kochi Corporation seeking an explanation for the reported move, which has been reported in the media. The commission was also investigating whether the local body had passed a resolution in this regard. The secretary has been asked to provide a copy of the resolution, if any, passed by the civic body, Commission sources said.

The commission will decide on the contentious issue after receiving the local body’s response, sources said.

Published – 14 October 2026 23:25 IST