The Act – Section by Section Part 4 – Enforcement Section 53 – Failure to comply with notice
134.This section sets out the sanctions for non-compliance with a decision notice, information notice or enforcement notice issued by the Scottish Information Commissioner, providing that the Court of Session may hold a Scottish public authority in contempt of court.
135.Where an authority fails to comply with any notice issued by the Commissioner, the Commissioner will be entitled to refer the matter to the Court of Session.
136.In relation to information notices (which, under section 50, allow the Commissioner to obtain information to support consideration of cases appealed to his or her office), an authority will be deemed to have failed to comply with the notice where it knowingly or recklessly makes a false statement.
137.Where the Commissioner refers an authority to the Court of Session, the authority will be entitled to offer a statement of defence, including presenting witnesses.