The President's Office was fined MVR 2,000 today for obstructing the responsibilities of the Information Commissioner.
Information Commissioner Ahid Rasheed said that the decision to fine the President's Office was made due to its consistent failure to provide requested information within the statutory deadlines mandated under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
"Despite being granted numerous opportunities to provide answers, the President's Office has failed to comply. Therefore, under Section 67(c)(2) of the Act, this is deemed an obstruction of the Information Commissioner's duties, and I have decided to fine the President's Office," Ahid said.
Ahid further explained that failing to provide information within the deadlines set during initial hearings—conducted following complaints of non-disclosure—constitutes an act that hinders the Information Commissioner's official responsibilities.
"Looking at the conduct of the institution regarding the five complaints heard today, the office has completely ignored directives to provide information after being given the opportunity during the first meetings. Such total non-compliance with the instructions to respond is considered an act of obstruction to the legal duties of the Information Commissioner," Ahid added.
The President's Office has repeatedly failed to disclose information despite multiple orders from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICOM). Additionally, issues have been raised regarding the provision of incomplete information and irrelevant responses.
Following complaints filed by Adhadhu over the withholding of requested information, ICOM decided last week that if the President's Office fails to disclose the data within the newly granted extension, the matter will be forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office for criminal prosecution.
