Ashok Gupta applied for a new electricity connection for his premises on 3.2.01 to Delhi Vidyut Board (DVB). He was demanded a bribe. He refused to pay bribe. As a result, he was not granted electricity connection. Ashok made several visits to DVB office but none listened to his woes. In February 2002, he filed an application under the Delhi Right to Information Act. In his application, he asked for the following information: >I had applied for a new electricity connection on 3.2.01. Please give me the daily progress made on my application till date.>Please give me the names and designations of the officials who were supposed to take action on my application and who have not done so.>According to the Indian Electricity Act, an applicant should get a new connection within 30 days of application. Are these officials guilty of violating the provisions of the Electricity Act?>These officials have caused mental tension to me by not providing me the said connection in time. Are these officials guilty of harassing the public?>Does DVB plan to take any action against these officials? If yes, in how much time?>When will I get my connection?On 2.3.02, he was granted a new connection.It was almost miraculous. How did this magic happen? In ordinary circumstances, such an application would have been consigned to the dustbin. But the Delhi Right to Information Act says that the salary of the official who does not provide information in time would be deducted at the rate of Rs 250 per day of default. Hence, they HAVE to reply to this application. But it is not easy to reply to these questions. Hence, they immediately do the pending work of the applicant. |
