ICOM fines Islamic ministry MVR 700 for non-attendance at hearing
The Information Commissioner’s Office said it began investigating the matter after the ministry did not respond to either of the information requests.
Information Commissioner's Office has fined the Ministry of Islamic Affairs MVR 700 for failing to appear at a hearing related to two information requests filed under the Access to Information Act.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Information Commissioner’s Office said it began investigating the matter after the ministry did not respond to either of the information requests.
According to the statement, the first hearing was scheduled for 3 February and was postponed at the request of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The rescheduled hearing on Sunday was again postponed to Monday following a further request by the ministry.
The Information Commissioner’s Office said the ministry did not attend the hearing scheduled for Monday and did not notify the office that it would be unable to attend.
ICOM said the failure to attend the hearing without notice obstructed the office in carrying out its statutory duties.
Under the Access to Information Rules, parties unable to attend a scheduled hearing are required to notify the Information Commissioner’s Office at least one hour in advance.
