Activist files 7,000 RTI pleas in 12 years, Nagpur University mulls action

NAGPUR: In a startling revelation, Nagpur University 'disclosed' that former chairman of Board of Mass Communication Sunil Mishra has filed over 7,000 applications with it under Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, in the last 12 years.

Registrar Puran Meshram told reporters on Thursday that NU was mulling action against such RTI activists as per Central government's guidelines. Though he refused to name Mishra, he indirectly hinted at him by stating that "entire academic circle knew about him".

"When we checked the numbers, even we were shocked by the sheer number of RTI applications filed by that person since the inception of the revolutionary Act. It comes to around two applications per day on an average, if holidays are excluded. It's surprising that how someone could get such a free time for all such activities," he told reporters.

Meshram said these frivolous applications hamper work as NU officials get busy in retrieving old documents to prepare reply. "This precious time could be used for some quality work aimed at students' welfare. It's nothing but misuse of the Act and we would be taking action like lodging police complaints if this onslaught of RTI pleas are not stopped," he warned.

Interestingly, even Mishra was surprised by the sheer numbers of applications he had filed, but stated that it was a right given by the Act and no one could stop him. "I bet whether NU can cite even a single instance of misuse of the Act by me. If I am really guilty, why they hadn't protested till date, or lodged a complaint against me in any forum?

"They all apprehend of being exposed through my queries and therefore come out with such intimidating tactics. NU authorities seriously need to study law and act with maturity," he told TOI.