Aarogya Setu RTI Row: CIC Denies Petitioner Permission to Attend Penalty Hearing Against Officials Who Failed To Furnish Information

When Das wrote an email to the Central Information Commissioner Vanaja N Sarna's office about not receiving a hearing notice, the IC's office informed him that his "presence is not required". The Commission informed him that since it is a show-cause hearing, it is only "between the Commission and the CPIOs concerned". Strongly dissenting against this decision, the activist wrote back saying it would be "against the principles of natural justice" if he is not allowed to make additional submissions and witness his own case. He also complained that the Commission ignored his complaint about not receiving copies of the replies and submissions made by the public authorities in response to the show-cause notices, calling it "incorrect on their part and a procedural lapse". As per CIC rules, each party is to serve a copy of their submissions to the opposite party before the hearing takes place.

"Denying me an opportunity to make additional submissions, receive copies of counters and additional submissions made by concerned CPIO's on my own case and denying me my right to witness my own case proceedings is against the very principles of transparency that this Commission seeks to protect and uphold" Das wrote in the email, while also highlighting the larger public and media interest in the case.

The CIC's observations in the case had left the Centre red-faced and the story quickly started trending on social media platforms. The opposition launched sharp attacks on the Modi government while mocking Aarogya Setu's creation as an "Act of God". Following the backlash, the Ministry issued a press release, stating that the information about the developers of the app was available in public domain.

Ministry Of Electronics, NIC And NeGD Have No Information About Who Created Arogya Setu App & How It Was Created: CIC Summons CPIOs