Kumbi College And 2 Ors. vs Manipur Information Commission And 3 Ors

A. Guneshwar Sharma, J

[1] Heard Mr. Sh. Athoi, learned counsel for the petitioners.

[2] The petitioners who are the principal of 3(three) colleges namely, (i) the Kumbi College, Kumbi, (ii) the Mangolnganbi College, Ningthoukhong & (iii) the Pravabati College, Mayang Imphal and they are aggrieved by the impugned orders all dated 09.12.2025 passed by Manipur Information Commission in appeal cases no. 21, 22 and 24 of 2025 imposing penalty of Rs. 25,000/- each and with a direction to deposit the same for failure to furnish information with respect to query nos. 2, 3, 4 & 6 in RTI application filed by respondent no. 4 herein. In pursuance to the order of the State Information Commission, the Joint Secretary, Higher and Technical Education, Govt. of Manipur issued a letter dated 29.12.2025 to the Director, University and Higher Education, Govt. of Manipur for initiating disciplinary proceeding against the principal of 3(three) colleges.

[3] The learned counsel for the petitioners submits that some of the information sought by the applicant are personal information of the students and employees of college and the same cannot be revealed without getting permission from the affected persons and the impugned order dated 29.12.2025 for initiating disciplinary proceeding against the principal is not contemplated in the RTI Act as well as service rules. It is submitted that the impugned order dated 09.12.2025 passed by the Manipur State Information as well as letter dated 29.12.2025 for initiating disciplinary proceeding be set aside and during the pendency of the present petition the same may be stayed.

[4] Issue notice.

[5] Mrs. RK. Emily, learned Dy. GA accepts notice on behalf of the respondent nos. 2 & 3 and Mr. K. Roshan, learned counsel accepts notice on behalf of the respondent no. 1.

[6] Petitioners are directed to take steps on the respondent no. 4 by speed post and file affidavit of proof of service.

[7] Till the next date, the direction for depositing Rs. 25,000/- and initiating disciplinary proceeding against the petitioners is kept in suspension.

[8] List these cases on 25.02.2026 before appropriate roster bench.

[9] Earlier interim order is extended till the next date.