ITANAGAR, 27 Aug: The Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) on Tuesday imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on PIO-cum-Koloriang Block Development Officer in Kurung Kumey district, MF Bengia, for "wilful absence from the commission's court hearings, violation of provisions of the RTI Act, and non-compliance of directions of the commission."

The commission directed the PIO to deposit the penalty amount in favour of the APIC registrar before 20 September.

It said that the proof of depositing the amount through treasury challan, along with all the information sought by the appellant, has to be produced on the next date of hearing on 6 October, failing which additional action under Section 20(2) of the Act shall be initiated.