CIC fines Delhi civic body for 'deliberate resistance' on stray dog info

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has imposed a $25,000 penalty on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for "determined and deliberate resistance" in providing information related to stray dog management. This decision comes after a three-year legal battle under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

In addition to the penalty, the CIC awarded $10,000 in compensation to the applicant, Akshay Kumar Malhotra. The commission also mandated the proactive disclosure of all relevant records, including details on payments made to NGOs, sterilization and vaccination data for stray dogs, and information on dog shelters.

The CIC's order referenced a Supreme Court verdict from May 2026, which stressed the critical need for objective, verifiable data to monitor the implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) measures. The commission stated that making the requested information publicly available would significantly aid in the regular monitoring of ABC initiatives, thereby promoting transparency and accountability.

“

The PIO stands in continued violation of hon'ble Apex Court's orders for upfront public disclosure as mandated under section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act.

Malhotra's RTI application, filed in December 2022, sought comprehensive information on NGOs engaged by the MCD, sterilization and vaccination efforts, shelter operations, complaints received, and expenditures. The CIC found that the MCD had "clearly evaded providing complete and relevant information," instead directing the applicant to approach the NGOs directly, a tactic the commission deemed ineffective.

The commission concluded that the MCD's "determined and deliberate resistance to disclosure of information... and also for putting it particularly in the public domain is established beyond any doubt." Consequently, the MCD commissioner was directed to ensure the immediate proactive disclosure of all mandated information concerning animal birth control programs and related expenditures.

“

Respondent's determined and deliberate resistance to disclosure of information to the appellant/complainant and also for putting it particularly in the public domain is established beyond any doubt.