The Pune Municipal Corporation is preparing to take strict action against individuals who loiter inside its main administrative building throughout the day, filing baseless complaints against officials from various departments and allegedly using these tactics to harass and blackmail them. Authorities have begun compiling detailed information on nine such individuals who operate under the names of different organisations and groups. Once the data collection process is completed, the civic body is expected to impose entry restrictions on them. Officials believe that these measures are necessary to curb misuse of administrative processes and to ensure a safer and more efficient working environment within the municipal premises.
Several individuals reportedly visit the municipal headquarters daily without any official work, moving across departments and closely observing internal proceedings. They often introduce themselves as members of social organisations to build familiarity with officers and staff, gather information about tenders, and repeatedly file applications under the Right to Information Act. By seeking similar information multiple times, they allegedly attempt to pressure officials and resort to intimidation or blackmail. Over time, many of their complaints have been found to lack substance. This pattern has created a sense of insecurity among civic employees and negatively impacted their efficiency. In the past, the State Information Commission Pune Bench has taken a firm stance by rejecting appeals that were deemed frivolous or lacking public interest.
In light of the growing nuisance caused by such so-called RTI activists and self-proclaimed social workers, the civic administration’s security department has decided to initiate legal action against those who disrupt official work by filing false complaints and creating unnecessary disturbances. As part of this move, a letter listing these nine individuals has been circulated among 17 department heads within the municipal corporation. The administration aims to ensure that such activities are closely monitored and addressed through appropriate legal channels. Officials have emphasised that the objective is not to discourage genuine grievances but to prevent misuse of legal provisions for personal gain or coercion.
According to the instructions issued under the orders of the municipal commissioner, department heads have been directed to compile and submit copies of all complaint applications filed by these individuals. After reviewing the collected material, the administration plans to forward a report to the city police commissioner recommending further action. Alongside this, the civic body is also considering banning the identified individuals from entering municipal premises. Sources added that a caveat may be filed in court to prevent any immediate legal relief being granted to them without prior notice to the corporation. These steps are intended to strengthen administrative control and deter future misuse of complaint mechanisms.
Among the nine individuals identified for causing disruption, one is a retired employee of the municipal corporation who alone has reportedly filed around 40 complaints with the health department. The group also includes two individuals posing as journalists, the head of an organisation related to rehabilitation, a trust president, two city-level leaders from relatively unknown political parties, a woman heading a foundation, and another woman. The list containing their names has reportedly been accessed by media sources. Authorities believe that the repeated actions of these individuals point towards a coordinated effort to exploit official procedures rather than genuine attempts to address public issues.
Concerns over the organised misuse of the Right to Information Act within the Pune civic body have also been raised at higher levels. During the monsoon session of the state legislature, Sunil Kamble highlighted the issue, suggesting that stringent legal provisions similar to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act could be considered against such groups. Following this, the Urban Development Department sought detailed information from the municipal corporation regarding individuals allegedly using legal provisions to blackmail officials. The data requested includes the number of RTI applications filed across departments, the frequency of submissions by specific individuals, and the nature of information sought, indicating a broader effort to address systemic misuse.