Penalties for withholding/providing wrong information

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The Central or State Information Commission can impose a daily penalty of Rs. 250 on the PIO who has withheld information or provided wrong information. This has to be paid until the information is provided. However, the total amount of the penalty should not exceed Rs. 25,000.

The PIO has to be given a chance to present their case before the penalty is decided – however, the burden is on them to prove that they acted lawfully. Disciplinary action can also be taken against the PIO in accordance with their service rules.

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