Court Directs Karnataka Information Commission to Implement Uniform Format for RTI Data Collection and Disclosure
In a significant judgment, the Karnataka High Court has ruled in favor of improved record maintenance and proactive disclosure under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. Presided over by Justice Suraj Govindaraj, the court addressed a writ petition filed by Shri. Ramesh Babu N against the State Information Commission. The petitioner sought information on actions taken against Public Information Officers (PIOs) under Sections 20(1) and 20(2) of the RTI Act, which had been denied on the grounds of non-consolidation of records.
The court held that the rejection of information requests solely because the information is not maintained in a consolidated format is insufficient. Public authorities are obligated to maintain records in a manner that facilitates access to information and to proactively disclose such information. The court directed the Karnataka Information Commission to develop a uniform format for the collection, maintenance, and disclosure of RTI implementation data, including proceedings under Sections 20 and 25 of the Act.
The court emphasized that the RTI Act mandates both reactive and proactive disclosure, obligating public authorities to maintain records systematically and make information available to the public suo motu. It highlighted the need for public authorities to maintain information in an accessible and searchable format to avoid the unnecessary administrative burden of compiling information from scattered records repeatedly.
Justice Govindaraj issued comprehensive directions to ensure compliance with the RTI Act. The Karnataka Information Commission must, within eight weeks, prescribe a uniform format for RTI data maintenance across all public authorities. This format should include year-wise data on RTI applications, penalties imposed, appeals, and proactive disclosure compliance.
Furthermore, the court ordered that all relevant information be maintained electronically, facilitating easy access and retrieval. The Karnataka Information Commission was also directed to establish a central repository on its website for RTI disclosures and compliance data.
The court's decision aims to enhance transparency and accountability in public administration and ensure citizens' right to information is upheld without imposing an undue burden on public authorities. The judgment underscores the necessity of systematic record-keeping and proactive information dissemination to foster an informed citizenry and streamline the implementation of the RTI Act.
Bottom Line :
Right to Information Act, 2005 - Information request cannot be rejected merely because the information is not maintained in a consolidated form - Public authorities are obliged to maintain records in a manner facilitating access to information and to proactively disclose information - Karnataka Information Commission directed to prescribe uniform format for collection, maintenance and disclosure of RTI implementation data, including proceedings under Sections 20 and 25.
Statutory provision(s): Right to Information Act, 2005 Sections 6, 4, 7(9), 20, 25, 19(8)(a)(iii), 8, 9, 10
Shri. Ramesh Babu N v. State Information Commission, (Karnataka) : Law Finder Doc id # 2989309
