RTI activist alleges misuse of power, questions ban on his entry to MC office
An RTI activist Simranjit Singh has accused Mayor Vineet Dhir of misusing his authority by arbitrarily banning him from entering the Municipal Corporation (MC) office. In a letter addressed to the government authorities in Chandigarh, Mayor and MC Commissioner, Singh not only denied the allegations against him, but also questioned the legal basis of the entry ban, claiming it was issued to shield corruption within the civic body.
The controversy arose after an order dated April 4 (Order No. 9, the copy of which is in possession of Jalandhar Tribune) issued by the Mayor barred Singh from entering the MC premises. The order, which was circulated on social media, accuses Singh of capturing photographs inside the MC building without permission. However, Singh firmly denied the charge, calling it a baseless allegation meant to silence his efforts in exposing corruption.
“I vehemently refute the allegation of unauthorised photography,” Singh stated in his letter. “There is no inquiry, no evidence and no opportunity of being heard. This order appears to be a result of a complaint filed by a clerk against whom I had already submitted a complaint to the MC office.”
Simranjit Singh said in his complaint against the clerk, he accused him of taking bribes from architects in exchange for clearing layout plans. “Instead of ordering an investigation into this serious allegation of bribery, the Mayor chose to act against me, by banning my entry into a public office,” he added.
He also challenged the legal authority of the Mayor to issue such an order. “No law gives the Mayor the right to restrict the entry of a citizen into the MC office, which is a public office dealing in public affairs. Such an order is arbitrary, illegal and an abuse of power,” Singh said, while adding that if this order is not cancelled, he would be forced to challenge it in the High Court.
Singh said the order also comes at a time, when he filed complaint against the Mayor and raised concerns over the illegal use of red and blue beacons and police-style pilot vehicles by him, terming it a violation of rules and VIP culture norms.
Meanwhile, Mayor Vineet Dhir said the order was issued because the RTI activist not only took photographs of official documents without permission in the absence of staff, but also misbehaved with clerk and used derogatory language when confronted. He said several other officials at the MC office had also come forward with similar complaints against him, alleging that the activist had using the RTI Act as a tool for blackmail. “Taking all these factors into account, the decision to issue the order has been taken,” Dhir said.
