No authority can probe RTI motives, Information Commissioner says

Information Commissioner Ahmed Ahid Rasheed has stated that no institution or ministry has the legal authority to investigate the reasons behind a Right to Information (RTI) request.

The statement follows a response from the Ministry of Defence to a public RTI request made on 25 March through its portal. The request sought information on the activities of the President and his family at their retreat island of K. Aarah, including the number, timing, and reasons for visits.

In its response, the ministry said: “All activities of the President and his family at their designated places of residence, including the number, time and reasons for their visits may challenge the legal responsibility of the Defence Forces to ensure their safety and security. The Defence Forces will take all necessary steps to identify the purpose of those seeking information.”

When asked about the matter, Ahid told Atoll Times on Monday that under both domestic law and international norms on access to information, it is not necessary to disclose the reason or purpose of a request.

“It is concerning to attempt to investigate the reason for exercising a constitutional right,” Ahid said.

He added that the RTI Act does not give any institution the power to conduct investigations into the motive behind an information request.

“When a request is submitted under this Act, the reason for the request or how the information will be used is not relevant. Information should only be withheld based on legal exceptions,” Ahid said.

There have been ongoing concerns about government offices refusing to disclose information requested under the RTI Act. Recent examples include the government declining to provide details on the number of political appointees and associated expenditure.

The previous administration, under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, also withheld information in several cases, including the number of Indian military personnel in the Maldives, details of certain development projects, and expenses related to presidential travel.