Public Servants Retain Privacy Rights; Asset Declarations Furnished To Authorities Not Automatically Disclosable Under RTI: Karnataka High Court

Verdictum: Karnataka: Friday, 12 June 2026.
The Karnataka High Court has held that asset and liability statements filed by public servants do not automatically become public information merely because they are submitted to government authorities under service rules.

Dismissing a writ petition, the Bench refused to interfere with orders of the Karnataka Information Commission and the Public Information Officer of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), which had rejected an RTI application seeking the asset and liability statements of a former Deputy Controller of KSRTC.
The Court held that such records are protected as "personal information" under Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, unless an applicant establishes a demonstrable larger public interest warranting disclosure.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj observed, “The mere fact that a person is a public servant does not ipso facto render every piece of information concerning him amenable to disclosure under the RTI Act…Such an interpretation would be contrary to the legislative intent underlying Clause (j) of Sub Section (1) of Section 8 of the RTI Act, which recognises that public servants do not cease to possess privacy rights merely by reason of their employment in public service”.
“Equally, the mere fact that such information is required to be furnished by a public servant to his employer or to a statutory authority under the applicable service rules does not, by itself, render the information publicly disclosable under the RTI Act. A distinction has to be maintained between information furnished to a competent authority for administrative, vigilance, regulatory, or service related purposes and information which is liable to be disclosed to the public at large”, the Bench observed.
Advocate G. B. Nandish Gowda appeared for the petitioner while none appeared for the respondents.
The petitioner had sought the records claiming that the officer had allegedly procured a sale deed relating to her property through fraudulent means and that details of the transaction would be reflected in his asset declarations. She contended that since the officer was a public servant required to disclose assets under service rules, the information assumed the character of public information.
Rejecting the contention, the Court observed that the mere fact that an individual holds public office does not render every piece of information concerning him amenable to disclosure under the RTI Act. It noted that public servants do not lose their privacy rights by virtue of their employment.
“…Every litigant may have a genuine interest in obtaining information which may support his case. However, a private interest, however bona fide, is not synonymous with public interest. The statute contemplates something more, namely an interest which transcends the concerns of the individual applicant and bears a nexus to the welfare of the public at large or a substantial section thereof”, the Bench observed.
The Court distinguished between information relating to the discharge of official duties and information concerning the private affairs of a public servant. While official decisions, exercise of statutory powers, and use of public resources may stand on a different footing, personal assets, liabilities, financial affairs, tax records, family matters, and similar details ordinarily fall within the ambit of protected personal information, the Court held.
“A distinction must necessarily be drawn between information relating to the discharge of public duties and information relating to the private affairs of a public servant. Information concerning official acts, decisions taken in an official capacity, exercise of statutory powers, utilisation of public resources, or matters directly connected with public administration may stand on a different footing. However, information relating to personal assets, liabilities, financial affairs, income particulars, tax records, family matters, medical records, and similar personal details would ordinarily fall within the ambit of personal information protected under Clause (j) of Sub Section (1) of Section 8 of the RTI Act, unless disclosure is justified by an overriding public interest”, the Bench noted.
Importantly, the Court clarified that allegations against an individual cannot, by themselves, transform personal information into public information. It further held that a private litigant's interest in obtaining documents to support a civil or criminal dispute is not equivalent to the "larger public interest" contemplated under Section 8(1)(j).
The Bench noted that no material had been placed to show corruption, abuse of public office, misuse of public funds, disproportionate assets, or any issue affecting the public at large, and accordingly, applied the statutory exemption.
Cause Title: S. Savithramma v. The Karnataka Information Commission & Ors.
(Click here to Download the Judgment)

Holding public office doesn’t mean losing right to privacy: Karnataka High Court

The Indian Express: Karnataka: Friday, 12 June 2026.
If every piece of information about public servants were amenable to disclosure, an entire class of people would lose protection afforded under the RTI Act merely because they hold public office, the Karnataka High Court ruled.

The Karnataka High Court said the RTI Act cannot be employed to obtain information protected under law to advance a private claim.
The Karnataka High Court has held that personal information relating to personal assets, liabilities, financial affairs, income particulars, tax records, family matters, and medical records, that a public servant furnishes to the employer cannot be disclosed to a third party under the Right to Information Act.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj said in an order on June 1, “Mere fact that such information is required to be furnished by a public servant to his employer or to a statutory authority under the applicable service rules does not, by itself, render the information publicly disclosable under the RTI Act.”
The order added, “Asset and liability statements are ordinarily collected by the employer or the competent authority to ensure compliance with service rules, promote probity in public service, identify possible conflicts of interest, and facilitate vigilance or disciplinary oversight, wherever required. The purpose for which such information is collected cannot automatically determine the scope of its disclosure to third parties.”
S Savithramma had approached the court challenging the Karnataka Information Commission’s order that upheld Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s rejection of her request for details of the assets and liabilities of S P Jayapal, a deputy controller at the KSRTC’s central office. She argued that he had fraudulently obtained a sale deed from her and that she required the information because of pending civil suits.
Advocate G B Nandish Gowda, appearing for Savithramma, argued that since Jaypal was a public servant, any immovable property he acquires, together with the corresponding disclosures required to be made under service rules and statutory provisions, partook the character of public information.
The court rejected this contention. “The mere fact that a person is a public servant does not ipso facto render every piece of information concerning him amenable to disclosure under the RTI Act,” its order read.
The order added, “If such an interpretation were to be accepted, the protection expressly afforded under Clause (j) of Sub Section (1) of Section 8 of the RTI Act would stand substantially diluted in respect of an entire class of individuals merely because they happen to hold public office.”
The court referred to 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, which exempts from disclosure information related to personal information, the disclosure of which is unrelated to any public activity or public interest, or that would result in an unwarranted invasion of an individual’s privacy.
The court stated that while an individual’s right to privacy is protected under clause (j), but it may be overridden in an appropriate case where the larger public interest demonstrably outweighs the privacy interests. The burden would necessarily lie on the applicant seeking disclosure to establish the existence of such an overriding public interest, it added.
The court noted that the information sought was to aid in a challenge to a property transaction allegedly entered into between Savithramma and Jayapal
The court dismissed the petition, saying the RTI Act’s provisions cannot be employed for obtaining personal information protected under law “merely for the purpose of advancing a private claim”.

Mere charges can't convert personal data to public information: Karnataka High Court

Deccan Herald: Karnataka: Friday, 12 June 2026.
The petitioner S Savithramma, a resident of Bengaluru, challenged the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) order on her application.

The provisions of the RTI Act cannot be employed as a mechanism for obtaining personal information otherwise protected under law, merely for the purpose of advancing a private claim, the high court said in a recent judgement.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj said mere allegations, however serious, cannot by themselves convert personal information into public information. The petitioner S Savithramma, a resident of Bengaluru, challenged the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) order on her application seeking asset and liability statement of one S P Jayapal, deputy controller at KSRTC central office in Shantinagar here.
The KIC had upheld the order passed by the public information officer, KSRTC, with a finding that the infor sought had no relationship to any public activity or interest and would cause unwarranted invasion of privacy as per Sec 8 (1)(j) of RTI Act.
The petitioner said Jayapal procured a sale deed in respect of her property by fraudulent means.
This transaction has been reflected in the Income Tax returns filed by Jayapal, and hence, information sought under RTI cannot be treated as personal, she said.
It was argued that since Jayapal is a public servant, details on his assets cannot be regarded as purely personal information, particularly when such information is sought in connection with allegations of fraud and illegal acquisition of property.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj said that there was a distinction between information furnished to a competent authority for administrative, vigilance, regulatory, or service-related purposes and information liable to be disclosed to public at large.
“While petitioner may have remedies available under civil law, criminal law, or any other applicable statutory framework for establishing the alleged fraud and seeking appropriate reliefs, provisions of RTI Act cannot be employed as a mechanism for obtaining personal information,” the judge said.

Guv approves names of information commissioners, but with rider

The Times of India: Ranchi: Thursday, 11 June 2026.
Jharkhand governor Santosh Gangwar on Wednesday approved the panel of four names for the post of information commissioners, ending a stand-off that had lasted months, but with a rider that the JMM govt would be responsible for any procedural errors arising in their appointments.

In an official statement, Lok Bhavan said, “The Governor has granted approval for these appointments subject to certain conditions. He has directed the state govt to ensure the early appointment of a Chief Information Commissioner for the Jharkhand State Information Commission so that the Commission’s work can be conducted smoothly and effectively.”
It went on to add, “The Governor also clarified that if any procedural error is found in the appointment process, or if any question arises regarding compliance with Supreme Court orders in this matter, the state govt will bear full responsibility.”
The development comes after Lok Bhavan had earlier returned the file containing the same names in the wake of objections to a few of the candidates.
The names cleared by Lok Bhavan include that of retired journalist and editor Anuj Kumar Sinha, Tanuj Khatri, Amulya Neeraj Khalkho and Shivpujan Pathak. Tanuj had once served as spokesperson of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), while Shivpujan had served as BJP media cell in-charge and Amulya is said to be from Congress.
Of the four appointees, Anuj Kumar Sinha is a retired journalist, a profession specifically mentioned in the RTI Act as one from which Information Commissioners may be drawn.
The posts of Information Commissioners had been vacant for nearly 5 years, leading to the piling up of thousands of cases related to Right to Information. The high court had on previous occasions pulled up the state govt for delay in reviving the state information commission by filling up pending posts.
Sources in Lok Bhavan said that after the governor’s nod, the department of personnel, administrative reforms and rajbhasha will now notify the appointments. “Formal orders regarding the appointment will be issued once the departmental formalities are completed,” said an official in the state personnel department.

Privacy cannot be overridden by mere allegations under RTI: Karnataka High Court

Deccan Herald: Sikkim: Thursday, 11 June 2026.
The petitioner alleged that Jayapal had procured a sale deed in respect of the petitioner's property by fraudulent means.

The provisions of the RTI Act cannot be employed as a mechanism for obtaining personal information otherwise protected under law, merely for the purpose of advancing a private claim, the high court of Karnataka said in a recent judgement.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj added that mere allegations, however serious, cannot by themselves convert personal information into public information.
The petitioner S Savithramma, a resident of Bengaluru, challenged the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) order on her application seeking asset and liability statement of one S P Jayapal, Deputy Controller at the KSRTC Central Office in Shantinagar at the relevant time.
The KIC had upheld the order passed by the Public Information Officer, KSRTC, with a finding that the information sought has no relationship to any public activity or interest and would cause unwarranted invasion of privacy as per Section 8 (1)(j) of the RTI Act.
The petitioner alleged that Jayapal had procured a sale deed in respect of the petitioner's property by fraudulent means. This transaction has been reflected in the Income Tax Returns filed by Jayapal, and hence information sought under RTI cannot be treated as personal information.
It is further argued that since Jayapal is a public servant, details relating to his assets cannot be regarded as purely personal information, particularly when such information is sought in connection with allegations of fraud and illegal acquisition of property.
Larger public cause should outweigh privacy interest:
Justice Suraj Govindaraj noted that there is a distinction between information furnished to a competent authority for administrative, vigilance, regulatory, or service-related purposes and information which is liable to be disclosed to the public at large.
“While the petitioner may have remedies available under civil law, criminal law, or any other applicable statutory framework for establishing the alleged fraud and seeking appropriate reliefs, the provisions of the RTI Act cannot be employed as a mechanism for obtaining personal information otherwise protected under law merely for the purpose of advancing a private claim,” Justice Suraj Govindaraj said.
The court further said, “The right to privacy is now recognised as a constitutionally protected right. Clause (j) of Sub Section (1) of Section 8 of the RTI Act represents a statutory manifestation of that protection in the context of access to information.
Therefore, before directing disclosure of personal information, the authority concerned must be satisfied that the public interest sought to be served is of such magnitude as to outweigh the privacy interests of the individual concerned. No such circumstances have been demonstrated in the present case.”

Recruitment Transparency Prevails: Sikkim HC Orders Disclosure of Merit List and Marks Sought Under RTI , Subject to No Social Media Publication

SCC Online: Sikkim: Thursday, 11 June 2026.
The Court directed the SPSC to furnish the relevant information sought by the respondent and recorded the respondent’s undertaking not to disseminate the information on social media.

Sikkim High Court: In a writ petition filed by the Sikkim Public Service Commission (SPSC) assailing the orders of the Sikkim Information Commission directing disclosure of recruitment-related information under the Right to Information Act, 2005, the Single Judge Bench of Meenakshi Madan Rai, J., directed the State Public Information Officer to furnish the relevant information to the RTI applicant and recorded the applicant’s undertaking not to place the information on any social media platform.
Background
The respondent sought information under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI) from the petitioner for the Sikkim Services (Combined Recruitment) Mains Examination, 2022, including the list of successful candidates for various posts, their roll numbers, marks obtained, and also the details of candidates falling under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category in the same examination.
While certain information was furnished by the SPSC, disclosure of other details was declined. The first appellate authority directed disclosure only in respect of a candidate who had consented under Section 11(1), RTI Act and held that information relating to candidates who had withheld consent was exempt under Section 8(1)(j), RTI Act.
Aggrieved, the respondent approached the Sikkim Information Commission (SIC), which with order dated 17 June 2025, directed the petitioner to provide the consolidated merit list of all candidates who had appeared in the interview/viva voce along with their marks. Challenging these directions, the petitioner SPSC approached the High Court.
Analysis and Decision
The Court noted that the SPSC was willing to comply with the SIC’s order, provided that the respondent would not upload the information on any social media platform.The respondent, in turn, stated that he had no objection to the said condition.
The Court noted grievance of Respondent 2, regarding denial of permission to be accompanied by a family member during the appellate hearing, despite his hearing impairment, was only tangential to the substantive relief sought as the second appellate authority had already granted the relief claimed, no further consideration of the issue was necessary.
Disposing of the writ petition, the Court directed the SPSC to furnish the relevant information sought by the respondent and recorded the respondent’s undertaking not to disseminate the information on social media. Pending applications were also disposed of.
[Sikkim PCS v. Sikkim Information Commission, WP(C) No. 57 of 2025, decided on 15-5-2026]

RTI Second Appeals Pending In Maharashtra Rise By 38% As Backlog Weakens Transparency Law

Free Press Journal: New Delhi: Wednesday, 10^Th June 2026.
Pending RTI second appeals in Maharashtra rose to 5,060 by March 2026, up from 3,672 at the start of the year, according to Sajag Nagrik Manch. The Konkan Bench disposed of 3,482 of 4,870 appeals received. Activists highlighted delays, incomplete disclosures, and frequent information denials by public authorities.

The effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Maharashtra is under increasing scrutiny. As per data obtained by Navi Mumbai-based transparency watchdog Sajag Nagrik Manch through the RTI Act has revealed a sharp rise in pending second appeals, raising concerns about the state of transparency and accountability in public administration.
Konkan Bench data
According to information furnished by the Commission, the Konkan Bench received 4,870 new second appeals between April 2025 and March 2026, while disposing of only 3,482 cases during the same period. As a result, pending appeals rose from 3,672 at the beginning of the year to 5,060 by March 2026, marking an increase of nearly 38%.
The Commission also received 670 complaints during the period, disposed of 340, and carried forward 298 complaints as pending.
Activists' concerns
RTI activists say the growing backlog has significantly weakened the effectiveness of the transparency law. Citizens who have already exhausted the mandatory process of filing RTI applications and first appeals are reportedly waiting two to three years for hearings before the Commission.
"The RTI Act was enacted to ensure timely access to information. When applicants have to wait years for their appeals to be heard, the objective of the law is defeated," said representatives of Sajag Nagrik Manch.
Reasons for surge
According to activists, one of the key reasons for the surge in appeals is the increasing denial of information by public authorities. Requests are frequently rejected on grounds such as personal information, voluminous records or lack of larger public interest. Delayed responses and incomplete disclosures have also become common complaints across government departments and local bodies.
The organisation noted that while the Commission conducts around 30 to 35 hearings daily, the inflow of fresh appeals continues to outpace disposal rates, resulting in a steadily growing backlog.
Accountability concerns
"By the time many appeals are decided, the concerned officials may have been transferred and accountability becomes difficult to establish," said Trishila Kamble, secretary of Sajag Nagrik Manch.
The organisation has called on the Maharashtra government to strengthen the Information Commission by appointing additional information commissioners, increasing legal and technical staff and improving digital infrastructure to accelerate disposal of cases.
The group proposed that all information supplied under RTI applications be uploaded to a publicly accessible digital platform, subject to legal restrictions, to reduce repetitive requests and improve transparency.
The debate over alleged misuse of the RTI Act has also resurfaced amid the discussion.
"If any RTI applicant is genuinely involved in extortion or blackmail, authorities have adequate legal provisions to initiate action. Yet such prosecutions remain rare despite frequent allegations," said Arun Kagale, vice-president of Sajag Nagrik Manch.
Experts warn that continued delays could erode public confidence in one of India's most significant transparency laws.
". Delayed information often becomes ineffective information. The Right to Information is the lifeblood of democracy, but today that lifeblood is being constrained by delays, pendency and administrative inertia," said Adv. Dr. Vishal Mane, former police officer and administrative advisor to Sajag Nagrik Manch.

SIC Andhra Pradesh Interacts with State Information Commissioners of Punjab

Babushahi.com: Chandigarh: Wednesday, 10^Th June 2026.
Dr. Rehana Begum Interacts with Punjab SICs, Focuses on Citizen-Centric Governance Discuss Innovative Approaches to Enhance Public Access to Information

Dr. Shaik Rehana Begum, the first woman State Information Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh, today visited the headquarters of the Punjab State Information Commission in Chandigarh.
During her visit, Dr. Begum held a productive interaction with Punjab State Information Commissioners Dr. Bhupinder Singh Batth, Harpreet Sandhu, and Virenderjit Singh Billing. The meeting focused on exchanging ideas regarding reforms, best practices, and the effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The discussions centered on strengthening transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance through innovative approaches in the functioning of Information Commissions. Both sides shared their experiences and perspectives on enhancing the effectiveness of the RTI framework, improving public access to information, and promoting greater responsiveness in governance.
On the occasion, Dr. Begum presented a copy of her authored book, “Frontier”, to the Punjab State Information Commission Library as a gesture of knowledge sharing and institutional cooperation. In return, Punjab State Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu presented his acclaimed coffee-table book, “Sukhna Lake at Dawn,” highlighting the natural heritage and scenic beauty of Sukhna Lake.
Dr. Begum also interacted with the officers and staff of the Commission and gained firsthand insight into its functioning and administrative processes.
The visit marked a significant step towards promoting inter-state collaboration and strengthening institutional efforts aimed at promoting transparency and good governance through the effective implementation of the Right to Information Act.

No Absolute Bar On Release Of Aadhaar Biometric Information; Forgery Accused Can’t Get Away On Ground Of Privacy: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Verdictum: Hyderabad: Wednesday, 10^Th June 2026.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court was considering an appeal in a matter pertaining to a property dispute.

Chief Justice Lisa Gill, Justice R Raghunandan Rao, Andhra Pradesh High Court

While asking the Unique Identification Authority of India to release the biometric and Aadhar information of an accused in a forgery and fraud case to the Police for investigation, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that there is no absolute bar for the release of such information under the Aadhaar Act. The High Court also held that a person who is alleged to have committed an offence of forgery for personal gain cannot be permitted to get away with such an offence on the ground of protection of his privacy.
The High Court was considering an appeal in a matter pertaining to a property dispute.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Lisa Gill and Justice R Raghunandan Rao held, “As can be seen from the provisions of Section 33(1) of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, there is no absolute bar for release of such information. However, such information, as is permissible under the provisions of the Aadhar Act 2016, can be released only after necessary safeguards are in place. It is for that purpose that the release of such information is restricted and is permissible only when an order of a court which is not inferior to a High Court is obtained.”
“In the present case, a person who is alleged to have committed an offence of forgery for personal gain, cannot be permitted to get away with such an offence, if he has committed such an offence, on the ground of protection of his privacy. In any event, the Aadhaar Card is officially said to have been issued in the name of appellant himself. In such circumstances, the question of privacy also may not arise”, it added.
Advocate Jhansi Guduru represented the Appellant while Government Pleader represented the Respondent.
Factual Background
The appellant, who claimed ownership over certain land, came to know that the person arrayed as the private respondent had impersonated the appellant by creating an Aadhaar Card. It was alleged that he fraudulently executed two deeds of sale in favour of the fourth respondent. The appellant, upon coming to know of the execution and registration of these documents, had filed a First Information Report as well as a declaration that the aforesaid deeds of sale were void and not binding on the appellant. An interim injunction was issued restraining the parties in the said suit from interfering with the peaceful possession of the appellant over the said land. The District Registrar and Inspector of Registration Offices took cognisance of a complaint filed by the son of the appellant and cancelled the said deeds of sale. The said orders of cancellation were challenged by the fourth respondent.
The appellant, while pursuing the complaint given by the appellant, sought the details of the Aadhaar Card along with the biometric information available under such Aadhaar Card from Unique Identification Authority of India. This request made under the Right to Information Act was rejected by the Authority on the ground that such information cannot be given in view of the bar under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005. As the information was not being given, the appellant approached the Commissioner of Police for such information to be obtained. The appellant, thereafter, approached the High Court seeking a declaration that the order of rejection should be declared illegal. This Writ Petition came to be dismissed by a Single Judge. Aggrieved thereby, the appellant filed the appeal.
Reasoning
Referring to Section 33(1) of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, the Bench held that there is no absolute bar for the release of such information. On a perusal of the facts of the case, the Bench noted that the Aadhaar Card was officially said to have been issued in the name of the appellant himself. “In such circumstances, the question of privacy also may not arise”, it stated.
The Bench thus held that the said information should be released by the Unique Identification Authority of India to the Commissioner of Police and Station House Office for purposes of proceeding with the investigation. “Respondents 2 & 3 shall release such information, within a period of three (3) weeks from the date of receipt of this order, to respondent No.6”, it further ordered.
Cause Title: Shri Sitaramanjaneyulu Elaprolu v. The Union Of India (Writ Appeal No.:252 of 2026)
Appearance
Appellant: Advocate Jhansi Guduru
Respondent: Government Pleader, Standing Counsel G Sai Narayana Rao
Click here to read/download Order

CIC asks DoPT to trace Information Rights division’s creation records, file affidavit if not found

The Print: Chennai: Wednesday, 10^Th June 2026.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to make fresh efforts to trace records related to the establishment of its Information Rights (IR) division and provide those to an RTI applicant, failing which it must submit an affidavit declaring the records unavailable.
The direction came while disposing of a second appeal arising from an RTI application seeking copies of office orders relating to the constitution, reconstitution or transfer of the IR division in the DoPT, along with details of files in which such orders were issued.
The applicant approached the CIC after officials informed that the requested information was not available in their records.
During the hearing, representatives of both the administration division and the IR division of the DoPT maintained that no such records could be traced.
In its submissions before the commission, the DoPT said the allocation and distribution of work within a department is a routine administrative matter and “does not, by itself, necessitate the constitution of a separate division or specific orders thereon”.
It further stated that efforts were made to locate records relating to the constitution of the IR division, but “the same could not be traced”.
Explaining the present role of the division, the department said the IR division deals with “the establishment matters of CIC, annual programme on propagation of RTI Act and matters related to RTI Online Portal”, while matters related to the Right to Information (RTI) Act are handled by the IR-II section.
Observing that the appellant disputed the department’s claim regarding non-availability of records, Information Commissioner Jaya Varma Sinha directed the DoPT to diligently search its database and records and provide the information within three weeks if the documents are located.
The commission said if the records are still not found, the CPIO concerned shall submit an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper, affirming their non-availability, and furnish a copy to the appellant. PTI MHS RC
(This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.)

RTI stonewalled: No clarity on vacancies, appointments in Maharashtra State Commission for Women

Times of India: Chennai: Wednesday, 10^Th June 2026.

A recent RTI query seeking details of appointments and vacancies in the Maharashtra State Commission for Women has yielded little beyond a reference to govt’s statutory powers despite the National Commission for Women (NCW) urging states to expedite appointments to state panels. In a reply received on June 2, the women and child development (WCD) department informed city-based RTI activist Vihar Durve that the appointment of the commission’s chairperson and six non-official members was carried out under powers vested in state govt under the Maharashtra State Commission for Women Act, 1993.
Durve had sought details regarding the appointment process, vacant posts in the commission and the timeline for filling them. However, the department did not furnish any specific information and only cited Section 3 and other relevant provisions of the Act under which appointments are made.
“The purpose of my RTI was to find out about the vacancies and when the appointments will take place, not about the rules governing appointments,” Durve told TOI.
Former chairperson Rupali Chakankar resigned from the post on March 20, while the tenure of the commission’s non-official members ended in Jan. The state govt is yet to announce a new chairperson.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women is a statutory body tasked with safeguarding women’s rights and addressing issues related to gender justice in the state.
The issue gained importance as 2,761 complaints were pending before the Maharashtra State Commission for Women at the end of the last financial year, said Durve, citing information obtained through another RTI query. The commission had disposed of 15,560 cases during 2025-26.
Marital disputes emerged as the single-largest category of unresolved cases.
Women’s rights activists and social sector workers have said the state govt’s WCD department should carry out appointments early. They have even said the next appointment should go to a person with a background in social work and women’s rights rather than a political nominee, citing the rising number of complaints and the growing backlog.
Durve said he would study the RTI response and decide on further action, including filing a first appeal under the RTI Act if necessary.

8-year battle ends: MU pays RTI applicant Rs 10K in damages

DT Next: Chennai: Wednesday, 10^Th June 2026.
P Raj Kapil, a postgraduate in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Madras and currently employed at OP Jindal Global University, had applied in 2018 for the post of project coordinator advertised by the university

University of Madras

An eight-year struggle to obtain information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act from his own alma mater, a postgraduate alumnus of the University of Madras, finally ended last month when he received a cheque of Rs 10,000 as compensation, as directed by the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission.
P Raj Kapil, a postgraduate in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Madras and currently employed at OP Jindal Global University, had applied in 2018 for the post of project coordinator advertised by the university.
After attending an interview conducted by the Department of Criminology, Raj Kapil found that the results were never announced. Instead, the university issued a fresh notification for the same post without declaring the outcome of the earlier recruitment process.
The RTI applicant, an alumnus of MU, had applied for a post in the university and sought to know the status of his application and the recruitment process, after the university initiated a fresh process for the same post.
He filed an RTI application seeking details on whether the interview results, including the marks secured by candidates and the measures adopted to ensure transparency in the recruitment process, would be published or not.
When the information was not furnished, Raj Kapil approached the State Information Commission through a second appeal. The university again failed to provide satisfactory responses, prompting him to file a non-compliance petition.
During hearings in 2022, the university's Public Information Officer informed the commission that the project coordinator posts were proposed under a UNICEF-funded initiative and that the required financial allocation had not been sanctioned. The commission observed that the university had failed to explain to candidates why they were not selected, particularly when the posts themselves had not materialised.
The commission held that applicants had a fundamental right to such information and criticised the university for denying proper responses to one of its own graduates. It further noted that the institution's conduct reflected administrative negligence and a lack of transparency.
Consequently, the commission ordered the university to pay Raj Kapil Rs 10,000 as compensation. However, the university failed to comply immediately and did not implement the commission's directives.
When the matter came up for hearing again in January this year, the commission recorded that the Registrar had declined to comply with its order. Granting a final opportunity, it directed the university to disburse the compensation within 10 days.
Following the commission's intervention, Raj Kapil finally received a compensation cheque for Rs 10,000 from the university registrar on May 20, 2026.
Speaking to DT Next, Raj Kapil said the case demonstrated how public authorities often fail to comply with orders issued by information commissions. He also argued that the RTI Act had gradually lost much of its effectiveness and called for stronger enforcement mechanisms to uphold transparency and public accountability.

One in every 3 faculty posts vacant in top technical institutes | RTI data

The Hindu: New Delhi: Wednesday, 10^Th June 2026.
While the Education Ministry said recruitments were happening across Centrally Funded Technical Institutes, RTI data show 35.2% of posts remain vacant

Of the 20 IITs, nine reported staff vacancies exceeding 35%. | Photo Credit: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA

Over 15 lakh students appeared for the high-stakes Joint Entrance Examination this year to secure a seat in the country’s premier technical institutions. The competition has always been gruelling, particularly for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), with roughly 80 students competing for every undergraduate seat in the 23 IITs.
However, data on vacant teaching positions in these institutes, obtained by The Hindu through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, raise questions on whether the students who surmount extraordinary challenges to get admitted receive the quality of education they deserve.
The Hindu’s request filed under the RTI Act to the Ministry of Education (MoE) in January, seeking details on vacancies in all Central Higher Education Institutions (CHEIs), was forwarded to individual institutions, of which only 79 of the 122 Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) responded. These included 20 IITs, 19 National Institutes of Technology (NITs),18 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), 17 Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and five Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (Chart 1).

A total of 7,132 of the 20,279 sanctioned faculty positions were vacant in these 79 institutions, which is 35.2%, or roughly one in every three posts. Sixteen institutions had more than 50% of their posts vacant, while another 14 had vacancies exceeding 40%.
Of the 20 IITs, nine reported vacancies exceeding 35% (Chart 2).

The share of vacant posts exceeded 50% in IIT Kharagpur. The institute has a sanctioned strength of 1,600 teaching posts the highest among the 20 IITs; 824 of these remained vacant. 35% of the 11,019 sanctioned posts in all 20 IITs were vacant.
A similar analysis for 19 of the 31 NITs that provided the data shows that four had vacancies exceeding 40% (Chart 3). As per the data, 27.9% of 5,432 posts in these 19 NITs have not been filled. With over 129 of the 187 posts (68%) remaining vacant, NIT Andhra Pradesh accounted for the highest share of vacancies. More than 40% of the sanctioned posts were vacant in NIT Srinagar, NIT Sikkim and NIT Tiruchirapalli, which had the highest with 600 sanctioned posts.
According to a reply given in Parliament by the MoE last year, the sanctioning of faculty posts for NITs and IITs is a dynamic process, subject to periodic review in accordance with institutional requirements and a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:12 for NITs and 1:10 for IITs.
In 18 of the 21 IIMs that provided data, 32.3% of 1,741 sanctioned posts were vacant. Four IIMs reported vacancies exceeding 50% (Chart 4). IIM Mumbai had 59% of its posts vacant, with 77 of 130 vacancies unfilled.
IIITs reported the highest percentage of vacancies although their sanctioned posts were relatively low. A total of 665 (53.5%) of the 1,225 posts in 17 of the 25 IIITs that provided data were vacant. Vacancies exceeded 50% in eight of them (Chart 5). In five of the seven IISERs that provided data, 276 of the 862 posts were lying vacant.
In another reply to the Lok Sabha earlier this year, the MoE, while not furnishing the number of vacancies, said that “occurrence of vacancies and filling thereof is a continuous process”. It further said that all CHEIs were exhorted to fill vacancies in September 2022 and later in October 2025 under a “Mission Mode” recruitment drive. It said that, as of January 24, 2026, a total of 17,878 faculty positions has been filled across all CHEIs under this “Mission Mode”.

CPCB imposes ₹48-cr environmental compensation on polluting industries: RTI

Hindustan Times: New Delhi: Tuesday, 9^th June 2026.
The information supplied by the CPCB following an RTI application file by advocate Kamal Anand from Punjab, reveals that since 2018 the penalties were imposed across various sectors, including chemical industry.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has imposed environmental compensation of nearly ₹48 crore on industries for various environmental violations across the country as ₹15.72 crore have been imposed on 51 industries located in the Ganga Basin in various states. (HT File)

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has imposed environmental compensation of nearly ₹48 crore on industries for various environmental violations across the country as ₹15.72 crore have been imposed on 51 industries located in the Ganga Basin in various states.
The information supplied by the CPCB following an RTI application file by advocate Kamal Anand from Punjab, reveals that since 2018 the penalties were imposed across various sectors, including chemical industry, amounting to ₹10.76 crore, the plastic industry amounting to ₹8.82 crore, and the sugar and distilleries sector amounting to ₹6.04 crore. In addition, 46 healthcare facilities were penalised for biomedical waste violations totalling ₹3.03 crore, while 13 hazardous waste facilities were fined nearly ₹2 crore.
Among the biggest violators, is a Rampur (Uttar Pradesh) based distillery and chemical company was imposed the highest penalty of ₹7.29 crore, making it the single-largest environmental compensation levied on an industrial unit in the records disclosed by the CPCB, reveals the information furnished by the CPCB after intervention by the first appellate authority.
However, the reply indicates that a majority of the violations in the Ganga Basin were linked to the liquor and sugar industries in Uttar Pradesh, sectors that have frequently come under the scanner for pollution-related violations.
According to the sector-wise details, the chemical industry attracted the highest compensation of ₹10.76 crore, with major public sector units figuring among the units penalised for non-compliance with environmental regulations, as two key natural gas processing units of GAIL India’s Pata Petrochemical located in Auraiya in Uttar Pradesh ( ₹37.12 lakh) and GAIL Complex Vijaipur in Guna of Madhya Pradesh ( ₹8.70 lakh) IOCL’s Gujarat Refinery in Vadodara ( ₹21.60 lakh), Madras Fertilizers Limited ( ₹1.93 crore) , Chennai Petroleum Corporation limited in Manali of Tiruvallur Tamil Nadu ( ₹74.70 lakh) and HPCL Biofuels Limited Sugauli of East Champaran Bihar ( ₹7.71 lakh) and HPCL Mumbai Refinery ( ₹25.20 lakh) and six cooperative sugarmills of Uttar Pradesh faced the penalties of ₹71.10 lakh.
The plastic industry followed with environmental compensation of ₹8.82 crore, including penalties imposed on the major pan masala manufacturers while the sugar and distillery sector accounted for another ₹6.04 crore in compensation.
The records further reveal instances where industries continued operations despite regulatory action as some industries were even found operating despite closure directions issued by the CPCB for failing to install online continuous effluent monitoring systems (OCEMS).
Another major challenge has come to fore in this in total 46 healthcare facilities were fined more than ₹3.03 crore for violations of Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules and for failing to comply with mandatory Covid-era waste tracking requirements.
Similarly, leading cement manufacturers were penalised for violating prescribed emission norms. In another category, 13 hazardous waste treatment and disposal facilities were fined nearly ₹2 crore for failing to comply with CPCB directives regarding infrastructure upgrades and environmental safeguards.
While welcoming the disclosure of compensation figures, Anand raised concerns over the utilisation of the funds collected from polluting industries. According to him, the CPCB did not provide details regarding the expenditure of approximately ₹48.42 crore collected as environmental compensation.
“The amount collected from industries in the name of environmental restoration should be in the public domain. Since the CPCB did not provide the information regarding the utilisation of the EC for the restoration of the environment, now we have filed a second appeal before the Central Information Commission for this information,” Anand added.
In figures

• Total environmental compensation imposed: ₹48.02 crore
• Ganga Basin industries: ₹15.72 crore across 51 units
• Chemical industry: ₹10.76 crore
• Plastic industry: ₹8.82 crore
• Sugar and distilleries: ₹6.04 crore
• Biomedical waste violations: 46 units fined ₹3.03 crore
• Hazardous waste facilities: 13 units fined ₹2 crore

CIC asks UGC to address promotion concerns for non-teaching staff

News Arena: New Delhi: Tuesday, 9^th June 2026.
The appellant alleged that despite the UGC framing Model Cadre Recruitment Rules (CRR), some universities were extending the benefits only to the newly appointed employees, and sought information on the steps taken to ensure their implementation.

The Central Information Commission has asked the University Grants Commission to address concerns over the implementation of cadre recruitment rules governing promotions for non-teaching staff in Central universities after noting that the issue raised by an RTI applicant was “a matter of great concern”.
The case stems from an RTI application seeking details of action taken by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education on recommendations relating to promotional avenues for engineers, programmers, system analysts, network analysts, security officers, and other non-teaching personnel in Central universities.
The appellant alleged that despite the UGC framing Model Cadre Recruitment Rules (CRR), some universities were extending the benefits only to the newly appointed employees, and sought information on the steps taken to ensure their implementation.
"The issue raised by the appellant during the hearing regarding non-disclosure of action taken by the Central universities regarding the implementation of Model Cadre Recruitment Rules is a matter of great concern,” Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi said in an order.
Taking what it termed a "liberal view and purposive interpretation of the RTI Act, 2005", the Central Information Commission (CIC) suggested that the UGC write to registrars and other competent authorities of Central universities, highlighting the concerns relating to non-implementation of cadre recruitment rules for non-teaching staff.
The CIC also said that if any such correspondence is issued, a copy should be filed before it and provided to the appellant free of cost.
During the hearing, the appellant argued that although the UGC's cadre recruitment rules for non-teaching staff were intended to benefit the existing employees as well, some Central universities were extending the benefits only to the newly appointed staff.
He also said that information on action taken regarding the implementation of the model rules by the universities had not been disclosed to him.
The UGC submitted that relevant records, including committee-related documents, minutes of its 550th meeting, a letter dated December 7, 2021, and the education ministry's approval dated January 30, 2023, had already been provided to the applicant.
It also told the Commission that Central universities are autonomous institutions created under Acts of Parliament and they are governed by their own statutes and ordinances.
While the UGC does not interfere in their day-to-day functioning, the universities are required to adhere to the model recruitment rules framed by the regulator for the non-teaching staff.
The Commission observed that the reply furnished by the UGC's central public information officer (CPIO) appeared to be in accordance with the RTI Act, noting that a CPIO "can only provide such information as is held in the office record" and is “not obligated to create information”.

RTI reveals Rs 87 crore water-sewer dues pending in Ludhiana MC’s Zone D

The Tribune: Ludhiana: Tuesday, 9^th June 2026.
56,681 consumers listed as defaulters; residents seek transparency in recovery process as data from other civic zones remains awaited

An RTI application filed by city resident Rohit Sabharwal has revealed that water and sewerage dues worth more than Rs 87 crore are pending in the Municipal Corporation’s Zone D, raising questions over the civic body’s recovery mechanism and financial management.
The applicants had sought information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding outstanding water-sewer charges in all four civic zones A, B, C and D for the past five years.
However, the MC has so far provided details only for Zone D.
According to the information furnished by the civic body, as many as 56,681 consumers in Zone D were listed as defaulters as of June 2, 2026. The total outstanding amount pending against these consumers stands at Rs 87.44 crore.
The figures have assumed significance as the MC has frequently cited financial constraints and shortage of funds while discussing civic works and other expenditure, including employee-related liabilities.
Sabharwal said the information highlighted the need for greater transparency regarding the recovery of public dues. He questioned how such a large amount could remain pending for years and whether adequate efforts had been made to recover it.
City resident Arvind Sharma said the figures warranted a detailed review of the corporation’s recovery system. “If such a huge amount remains unrecovered despite repeated claims of financial stress, the authorities should disclose what action has been taken against chronic defaulters and why the arrears continue to mount,” he said.
The residents pointed out that the information currently pertains only to Zone D and that data relating to Zones A, B and C is still awaited. They said the overall outstanding amount across the city could be significantly higher once details from all zones are made available.