Information Commission slams Varanasi admin over missing file

Lucknow, Aug 10 (UNI) The State Information Commission today slammed the Varanasi administration for failing to produce files pertaining to the historic Tarkeshwar temple under the Right to Information Act.

Varanasi-based politician Shaturth Prakash had moved the Information Commission alleging the Municipal Commissioner, depite several requests, has failed to show the file regarding purchase of the temple by trust of Kashi Vishwanath Temple for Rs 28 lakh.

The Vishwanath Trust was once donated the temple, but the records pertaining to the donation were deleted from files, Prakash alleged.

''The Municipal Commissioner has been directed to show the file to Mr Prakash...but amazingly the commissioner has not responded,'' the Commission observed.

The Commission also wondered why the Varanasi administration had so far been unable to trace the file in question.

''But, the administration has assured the file would be traced within 15 days failing, which an FIR would be lodged,'' it observed.

The matter, meanwhile, was adjoured for September 5, 2006.

UNI NAB VS MSJ ND1802