Gandhinagar: In a recent order, the Gujarat State Information Commission (SIC) has pointed out to Gujarat Police the repeated delays in furnishing accident investigation documents, a lapse that continues to affect proceedings before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT). SIC observed that such delays not only obstruct legal processes but also deprive accident victims of timely financial relief.The directive came in response to a second appeal filed by Ashwin Gohil, of a general insurance firm in Ahmedabad who is representing a motor accident case victim. Gohil had sought access to investigation papers related to a road accident which formed the basis of the MACT case. Despite clearly stating his role in facilitating claim settlements, his request — submitted on Jan 10, 2024 — was met with inaction by Jawaharnagar Police Station and the first appellate authority.Presiding over the hearing on June 20, state information commissioner Nikhil Bhatt expressed concern over the lack of responsiveness. While the public information officer (PIO) claimed that the chargesheet had been filed, and advised the applicant to obtain it from the court, the commission clarified that “the police were obligated to provide a copy of the ‘counter’ document free of charge. It further ruled that the case diary, being personal to the investigating officer, was exempt under Section 8(1)(J) of the RTI Act, 2005.”The commissioner pointed to references of prior instructions issued by the director general of police, which were based on a Supreme Court judgment. “These guidelines had explicitly directed all police stations in Gujarat to cooperate with insurance investigators and advocates by promptly sharing relevant documents,” Bhatt’s order states. The order has also pointed out that delays directly affect accident victims, many of whom rely on insurance settlements for urgent financial support,” says city-based RTI activist Pankaj Bhatt.The commission has requested that the DGP’s office reissue detailed circulars stressing the importance of timely information disclosure to insurance entities. Bhatt’s order tells supervisory officers to verify whether requested information has been duly provided. It instructs regional officers to ensure staff maintain courteous conduct and respond promptly to information requests. The order also stipulates that insurance company representatives furnish appointment letters to validate their authority, in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
