CIC Intervenes to Uphold Justice for Imprisoned RTI Appellant

Devdiscourse: New Delhi: Tuesday, 14 April 2026.

The Central Information Commission took action in a life and liberty case to ensure an imprisoned RTI appellant receives a fair hearing. Directions were issued to jail authorities and the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee to facilitate the appellant's participation and uphold principles of natural justice.
The Central Information Commission has stepped in to ensure justice for an imprisoned Right to Information (RTI) appellant by instructing jail and legal authorities to provide a fair hearing process. This intervention emphasizes the need to follow the principles of natural justice.
The case involves the appellant's request for a status report concerning a petition he described as crucial to his 'life and liberty.' Despite the urgency, the required response was delayed, and the subsequent appeal was left unresolved. Chief Information Commissioner Raj Kumar Goyal called for a timely reconsideration of the case and arranged for the appellant's participation via video conference.
The commission also mandated that the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee deliver a written response promptly. The involved authority stated no previous records of the RTI request but acknowledged processing a legal aid request from the appellant. The commission continues to stress the necessity of hearing the appellant's side to ensure justice.

SC Seeks Govt Response on Plea Challenging DPDP Act Provisions Allegedly Diluting RTI Transparency

Law Trend: New Delhi: Tuesday, 14 April 2026.

The Supreme Court of India on Monday issued notice to the Central Government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging specific provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. The petitioners allege that the new data law severely dilutes the transparency framework established under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi sought responses from the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel and Training) and the Ministry of Law and Justice. The court’s action follows submissions made by Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, representing the petitioners, who argued that the legislative changes infringe upon fundamental rights.
The legal challenge centres on Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act, 2023. This provision substitutes the original Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, which previously provided a balanced exemption for personal information. The original clause allowed for the disclosure of personal data if it had a relationship to public activity or interest, or if it would not cause an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
The petitioners comprising the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) and renowned activists Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey, and Shankar Singh Rawat argue that the amendment effectively creates a blanket shield for personal information, hindering social audits and public accountability.
The plea seeks a declaration striking down Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act as “unconstitutional and void,” asserting that it violates Articles 14 (Equality), 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech and Expression), and 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution of India.
A significant portion of the petition highlights the potential dismantling of “proactive disclosure” architectures. The petitioners have urged the court to ensure that the mandate under Section 4 of the RTI Act which enables the public disclosure of beneficiary data, muster rolls, and social audit records remains unaffected by the DPDP Act.
The plea specifically mentions the Jan Soochna Portal (Rajasthan) and similar accountability platforms. It seeks directions to restrain authorities from “dismantling, restricting, or abridging access to information” currently available through these portals, which are vital for ensuring that rights under Article 21 are protected for the most vulnerable citizens.
Beyond striking down the amendment, the petitioners have requested:

• The restoration of the original Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, including its proviso, with retrospective effectfrom November 13, 2025.
• A declaration that the State is constitutionally obligated to maintain and operationalize proactive disclosuresystems that affect the rights of citizens.

Taking note of the significance of state-level transparency portals, the Supreme Court bench also directed that the State of Rajasthan be impleaded as a party to the proceedings.

Plea Filed In Supreme Court Against S.44(3) Of DPDP Act, Seeks Interim Relief Against Masking/Deletion Of Available Data; Notice Issued : Debby Jain

Live Law: New Delhi: Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
A public interest litigation has been filed before the Supreme Court against Section 44(3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which substituted Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act and exempted disclosure of any sort of "personal information" of a person.

The petitioners have also sought an interim relief against deletion/masking of data already made available on public portals in compliance of provisions of the RTI Act or other welfare legislations, as it would impair ground-level work that benefits from such information.
A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice on the plea today, after hearing Senior Advocate Shyam Diwan (for petitioners). On the petitioners' request, it also impleaded the State of Rajasthan as a party. The matter will be considered along with similar other pleas, which the Court has agreed to consider.
For context, Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act has substituted Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, which exempted disclosure of personal information if the disclosure had no relationship to any public activity or interest or could cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of an individual.
That is, under the earlier framework, a Public Information Officer could direct the disclosure of personal information if he was satisfied that "the larger public interest justifies the disclosure of such information".
Now, Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act has exempted all disclosures related to personal information of a person. Further, the substitution has done away with the proviso to Section 8(1)(j), which provided that information which could not be denied to the Parliament or a State Legislature could not be denied to any person.
Challenging Section 44(3) of DPDP Act as violative of Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and 21, the petitioners have approached the Supreme Court. The PIL is filed by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, social activists Aruna Roy and Nikhil Dey, and Shankar Singh Rawat.
Besides striking down of Section 44(3) of DPDP Act and restoration of Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, the petitioners seek a declaration for the proactive disclosure mandate under Section 4 of the RTI Act to continue. This provision enabled disclosure of beneficiary data, muster rolls, social audit records, etc.
The petitioners further pray for a writ of mandamus to the respondent-authorities to refrain from "dismantling, restricting or abridging access to information currently provided through transparency and accountability portals including the Jan Soochna Portal (Rajasthan)" and other analogous portals established under welfare legislations.
It is contended that the impugned provision fails to distinguish between "personal" and "private" information, unlike Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act which provided for a public activist test and a harm test. "Information is personal when it pertains to or identifies an individual...information is private when it concerns that intimate sphere of an individual's life into which the State may not intrude without justification."
The petitioners aver that the marginalized communities which they represent depend on personal information held by the State - such as - wage records, beneficiary lists, entitlement registers, public accounts - for enforcing their rights to work, food, and be free from arbitrary action. These records are personal information, not private information, they assert.
Further, the petitioners emphasize that the scope of the phrase used in Section 44(3) - information which relates to personal information - is unlimited. It covers any piece of information that even references a person. Besides, there is provision for mandatory denial of information in clear cases and vast discretion with the PIO to characterize any request as relating to personal information and deny it without adjudicatory standard. "It exempts not just an official's name and address but records about the official's exercise of public duty, merely because those records identify the official."
It is also the petitioners' contention that the impugned provision fails the proportionality test and there was no constitutional necessity to amend Section 8(1)(j) of RTI Act at all. They further object to the justification of the impugned amendment based on Supreme Court's Puttaswamy judgment by stating that that judgment is an individual's shield against the State - the State cannot use it to withhold its own records of use of public power. Besides, the judgment did not hold privacy to be superior to right to information.
According to the petitioners, the DPDP Act is also internally inconsistent, insofar as it carves out public interest exceptions for the State's own data processing but eliminates the public interest override in case of citizens' request.
Further, it is argued that the impugned amendment is likely to have a chilling effect on proactive disclosures made on State-level transparency portals - like Rajasthan Jan Soochna portal. The petitioners apprehend that under a risk potential liability for disclosing personal information, public authorities may pre-emptively restrict disclosure.
The petition has been drawn by Advocates Gautam Bhatia, N Sai Vinod and Madhav Aggarwal.
Case Title: MAZDOOR KISAN SHAKTI SANGATHAN AND ORS. Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 358/2026

Gujarat deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi releases book on RTI Act

Times of India: Ahmedabad: Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
Deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday released a book by the Gujarat Information Commission on completion of 20 years since the Right to Information (RTI) Act was implemented. The book lists 201 important orders passed by the commission over the past two decades in the state to enhance civic transparency.

The book, titled 'Right to Information Two Decades Journey', has been prepared as an in-house compilation by the Gujarat Information Commission.
The release took place at a programme organised at GUJSAIL in Ahmedabad, where the deputy Chief minister formally unveiled the publication in the presence of senior officials of the Commission and other dignitaries.
The event was held as part of commemorations marking two decades since the enactment of the RTI Act, 2005, which came into force as a landmark legislation aimed at strengthening transparency in governance and enabling citizens' access to information.
Addressing the gathering, Sanghavi said the Right to Information framework has established itself as an effective instrument for promoting transparency and accountability in public administration.
He added that the newly released publication would function as a practical guide for government employees engaged in RTI-related work, as well as for researchers and members of the public seeking to understand the law and its application.
According to officials, the publication provides a structured overview of the RTI regime, beginning with its historical background and extending to the statutory provisions of the Act, rules framed by the Central and State governments, and key administrative orders relevant to its implementation.
It also documents the formation of the Gujarat Information Commission, its organisational structure, operational procedures and working methodology, supported by statistical data reflecting RTI applications and disposal patterns.
A major component of the book is a compilation of 201 significant judgments delivered by the Supreme Court, various High Courts, and different information commissions across the country.
These rulings have been included to highlight how judicial interpretation and quasi-judicial decisions have contributed to shaping the practical enforcement and evolution of the RTI framework over the past two decades.
Officials said the publication has been designed as a consolidated resource that brings together legal, administrative and procedural aspects of the Act in a single volume.

Preventing misinformation equally important: Info Minister

BSS: Bangladesh: Monday, 13 April 2026.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said that ensuring people's right to information remains one of the top priorities of the incumbent government, alongside protecting citizens from misinformation and disinformation.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today addressed a view-exchange meeting with members of the core group of the Right to Information Forum at the ministry's meeting room at the Secretariat. Photo: PID

"However, apart from ensuring free flow of information, it is equally important to protect the people by preventing the spread of misinformation and disinformation," he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a view-exchange meeting with members of the core group of the Right to Information Forum at the ministry's meeting room at the Secretariat this morning.
Speaking as the chief guest, he said there were specific reasons behind the suspension of the Right to Information (Amendment) Ordinance in the Jatiya Sangsad.
Swapon said the spread of misinformation has also increased alongside the free flow of information. "So, in addition to ensuring the flow of information, we must also seriously consider the issue of its accountability," he added.
He noted that it would not be sufficient only to expand access to information, stressing that an effective law would be formulated by taking into account the opinions and recommendations of experienced stakeholders in the Right to Information Act.
"The more information, the more truth - for this reason, it is very important to ensure the free flow of information. To this end, we also have to decide how to protect the institutional character of the Information Commission," he said.
The minister sought constructive recommendations from participants for amending the Right to Information Act and emphasised the need for fact-checking and screening of information.
He assured that the concerned authorities would involve all stakeholders in the law-making process.
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Choudhury attended the meeting as a special guest.
Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Information Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, and MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman Mukur, also spoke, among others.
They presented various reform proposals aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act and ensuring the free flow of information.

Delhi High Court Upholds Order Allowing RTI Applicant To Seek Information Relating To Insurance Policies By Furnishing Basic Details Other Than Policy Number : By Tulip Kanth

Verdictum: New Delhi: Monday, 13 April 2026.
The Delhi High Court was considering an intra-court appeal challenging the order of the Single Judge.

The Delhi High Court has upheld an order allowing a policy holder to seek information regarding a policy without furnishing the policy number but by furnishing basic details. The High Court also highlighted that LIC handles 27 crore insurance policies and in the absence of certain details, it would be difficult, rather impossible, to retrieve any information sought in respect of a particular policy.
The High Court was considering an intra-court appeal challenging the order of the Single Judge whereby a petition was disposed of with certain directions, modifying the order of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC).
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia stated, “It is not that in terms of the impugned judgment passed by the learned Single Judge dated 29.01.2026; the appellant cannot seek the information relating to the insurance policies where she is insured. All what is required by the appellant is to furnish the details other than the policy number, such as name of the insured party‟s name, date of birth, gender, address with pin code, mobile number, email id and bank account number as registered under NEFT. The purport of the impugned judgment is that in case, any information regarding the policy is sought by a person insured, he can seek such an information without even furnishing the policy number, however, in such an eventuality, the aforesaid details are required to be furnished, in absence whereof it will be quite impossible for the LIC to give the information.”
“We may observe, at the cost of reiteration, that the impugned judgment passed by learned Single Judge does not put any bar on providing the information if it is sought by an insured person even in absence of the policy number and therefore, we are of the opinion that no prejudice is caused to the appellant by the impugned judgment dated 29.01.2026”, it added. The appellant appeared in-person.
Factual Background
The appellant filed an application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act), seeking the detailed list of all the policies wherein she was made the insured party at any point in time during her lifetime. The said application was considered by the respondent, Central Public Information Officer, Life Insurance Corporation of India (CPIO), who decided the application, stating therein that since the base of LIC is the policy number issued to the life assured, without the policy number, the respondent-CPIO was unable to provide information sought by the appellant. Dissatisfied with the said reply furnished by the respondent-CPIO, the appellant preferred a first appeal, and the First Appellate Authority upheld the order passed by the respondent-CPIO. The appellant, thereafter, filed a second appeal before the Central Information Commission.
The CIC observed that it is imperative for LIC to establish a system that facilitates the retrieval of policy and all data of policyholders, including cases where the policy number is not available, particularly in urgent situations. The CIC, by the said order, also directed the respondent-CPIO to take necessary measures to ensure disclosure of information concerning LIC Policy even in instances where the policy number is not provided. The respondent preferred a Petition before a Single Judge, which was disposed of by granting liberty to the appellant to file a fresh application before the LIC with a direction that such an application should be dealt in accordance with the extant rules. Aggrieved thereby, the appellant instituted the proceedings of the instant letters patent appeal.
Reasoning
On a perusal of the impugned judgment, the Bench noted that it was not that the appellant could not seek the information relating to the insurance policies where she was insured. All that was required by the appellant was to furnish the basic details.
“The view taken by the learned Single Judge, in our opinion, is the correct view. It is understandable that if under some insurance policy some person’s life has been insured without his or her knowledge, he/she may not know the policy number, however, the details regarding insured party’s name, date of birth, gender, address with pin code, mobile number, email id and bank account number as registered under NEFT are such details which can be presumed to be within the knowledge of the person seeking the information. Accordingly, the purport of the impugned judgment passed by the learned Single Judge is that even in absence of the policy number information regarding the policy by the insured person can be obtained, however, for seeking such an information, necessary details as listed above have to be provided”, it added.
The Bench also took note of the fact that the impugned judgment passed by the Single Judge did not put any bar on providing the information if it was sought by an insured person, even in the absence of the policy number.
Coming to the ground raised by the appellant regarding non-maintainability of the writ petition before the Single Judge based on the provisions contained in Section 23 of the RTI Act, the Bench held, “The bar created by Section 23 of the RTI Act will be applicable to a Court for entertaining any suit, application or other proceedings in respect of any order made under the Act. However, such a bar will not be an impediment in any manner for this Court to exercise its writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the same being one of the basic features of our Constitution.”
Thus, finding no good ground to interfere with the impugned judgment passed by the Single Judge, the Bench dismissed the appeal.
Cause Title: Ambika Gupta v. CPIO LIC of India (Neutral Citation: 2026:DHC:2925-DB)
(Click here to download Order)

Big share of funds for kids' jabs not spent: RTI data

Times of India: New Delhi: Sunday, 12 April 2026.
Even as India allocates thousands of crores of rupees annually for child vaccination, RTI data shows that a significant share of funds remains unspent, raising questions over implementation in one of the country's largest public health scheme - National Immunisation Programme.

Under the programme - which provides free vaccines to protect children against multiple diseases, including polio, measles and hepatitis B - allocations have risen to over Rs 3,400 crore in 2025-26, but spending has consistently lagged behind. In 2023-24, about Rs 2,250 crore was utilised against the Rs 3,232-crore approved, while in 2024-25, expenditure dropped to around Rs 1,971 crore against the Rs 3,186-crore sanctioned.
For financial year 2025-26, only about Rs 1,060 crore was spent - data till Dec and marked provisional - out of the Rs 3,434-crore approved. The data is based on financial monitoring reports submitted by states and UTs.
Despite this, the programme continues to operate at scale. Govt data showed that 2.3 crore to 2.5 crore children were vaccinated annually between 2021-22 and 2024-25. Full immunisation coverage has improved from 88.2% in 2021-22 to 98.1% in 2024-25, though it dipped slightly in 2023-24, data showed.
RTI activist Amit Gupta said the programme is vital for protecting children and requires efficient, transparent use of funds with strong accountability. He also urged govt to expand coverage to include vaccines for influenza, typhoid and hepatitis, saying these are now essential for comprehensive child protection.
However, the RTI response also points to gaps in data systems. Gender-wise vaccination figures were not provided and were instead referred to another division, indicating fragmented record-keeping.
Vaccines are sourced from a network of public and private manufacturers, including Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, Biological E and Indian Immunologicals.

Udaipur Roadways ignores RTI queries on disability facilities:Officials deny information calling requests impractical; activist seeks action under disability rights law

Bhaskar: Udaipur: Sunday, 12 April 2026.
In the Right to Information (RTI), the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, Udaipur depot, did not respond to 11 applications filed regarding the rights and facilities of persons with disabilities, and it was stated that such impractical information requests hinder the administration's work.

All questions were related to facilities for 

disabled persons at the Roadways bus stand.

Dr. Arvinder Singh, President of Udaipur's Peneshia Disability Rights Activist (PDRA), filed 11 applications one after another under the Right to Information at the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation Udaipur office. Under this, he sought to know about the facilities available to help persons with disabilities.
Being a person with disability himself, Dr. Arvinder Singh personally experiences this suffering, and for this reason, he inquired about the facilities.
In the application, he had sought information about the arrangements available for persons with disabilities at the Roadways bus stand, buses, and related facilities.
Dr. Arvinder says that it mainly asked about wheelchairs, ramps, accessible toilets, helpline, separate queues, trained staff, etc.
He states that at most places in Roadways, no such effective facilities are available, so becoming aware, he started efforts for such effective facilities, and first wanted to know by filing an application.
There are no ramps for disabled persons to board the buses. Nor are there handles near the gate at the bottom.
There are no ramps for disabled persons to board the buses. Nor are there handles near the gate at the bottom.

There are no ramps for disabled persons to board the buses.
Nor are there handles near the gate at the bottom

In this regard, the Public Information Officer from the Chief Manager's office of Udaipur Roadways Depot sent a reply to Singh, including all 11 applications together, and refused to provide this information, citing a Supreme Court decision.
It stated that such impractical demands under RTI hinder the administration's work. Arvind expressed disappointment at this response and said that this attitude is not only contrary to the spirit of the RTI law, but also appears insensitive towards the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
He demanded through the Peneshia organization that complete compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, be ensured, all bus stands and buses be made accessible, and responsible officers be directed. The rights of persons with disabilities are not charity; they are their constitutional right.

RTI : What's the reason behind the death of 149 leopards in Madhya within 14 months?

Times of India: National: Sunday, 12 April 2026.
According to the latest figures that have come to light through the RTI Act, roughly 149 leopards have lost their lives in Madhya Pradesh in just 14 months starting from January 2025. The shocking statistic highlights the concern for the safety of one of the most versatile large cat species in India. Collisions with vehicles on roads become the primary reason for deaths caused to leopards.

Indian leopard in the forest

The statistics, released due to an RTI application submitted by Ajay Dube, a wildlife activist, suggest that there is a grave threat to leopards in Madhya Pradesh. While conservationists regard the situation as alarming, forest officials argue that the deaths are within the acceptable range considering the large number of these animals and their interaction with humans.
According to a report published by the , as per the official explanation, about one-third of the deaths recorded had been related to accidents involving vehicles, with some deaths having occurred due to the movement of highways in forested regions. It was also stated that at least 19 deaths had been caused by incidents involving vehicles on the highways alone.
Natural factors such as disease and aging had resulted in about one-fourth of the deaths recorded.
In addition to this, one-fifth of the deaths were due to conflicts within the species such as territorial fighting. Such conflicts have been common among wild animals competing for territories.
Human activities like poaching and retaliatory killings have also caused many deaths. Leopards have sometimes been electrocuted either by mistake or deliberately, while others have been caught up in traps. Another nine percent of deaths could not be explained.
As per the report, forest officials have initiated effective programs to decrease such deaths. It is
important to note that unlike many other species, leopards are very adaptive creatures and can be found in various regions in the state and near human settlements as well.
The forest department has made several attempts to curb such accidents by building passageways for animals in the construction of new roads, putting up warnings in protected wildlife areas, and patrolling vulnerable sites. Such steps have been undertaken to not only decrease such accidents but also human-wildlife conflict.
It is noteworthy that the state is known for its rich wildlife, especially leopards, in India. According to the Status of Leopards in India 2022 report, which was published in 2024, Madhya Pradesh hosts around 3,907 leopards, which is the highest in India. It is higher than 3,421 reported in 2018 and creates difficulties in contemporary times.
Nevertheless, it has been noticed that while an increased population is certainly a positive aspect regarding conservation achievements, it increases the contact between wildlife and humans. Leopards that are able to survive in fragmented areas often move through cultivated fields, settlements, and highway systems, making them vulnerable to road accidents and human encounters.
The latest numbers definitely stress the need for balancing growth and wildlife movement routes. With infrastructure development continuing to progress, the protection of animal routes will become increasingly important for maintaining healthy populations.
Even though the authorities remain optimistic regarding their steps towards mitigation of the problem, it is evident that any conservation will have to adapt to new challenges posed by the dynamic environment.

Only 3 families returned under Rs 1,618 cr Pandit rehab package: RTI

KNS News: Srinagar: Saturday, 11 April 2026.
The Centre's flagship Prime Minister's Package of 2009 for Kashmiri Pandits, with an outlay of Rs 1,618.40 crore, has facilitated the return of only three families since its inception, according to an RTI reply obtained by Congress leader Sanjay Sapru.

Sapru, who released the findings here on Friday questioned the credibility of the government's rehabilitation claims, terming the gap between allocations and outcomes as a "systemic collapse of implementation."
"For over a decade, this package has been cited as a cornerstone of rehabilitation. The RTI reveals that only three families have actually returned under the scheme," Sapru told reporters as per Kashmir News Service (KNS).
He said that while certain components such as employment and transit accommodation show partial progress on paper, they do not amount to "dignified return.
"Rehabilitation is not a statistic. It is a lived reality, and that reality is clearly missing," he said.
The Congress leader also pointed to the absence of any institutionalised mechanism for community engagement and expressed concern over the management of migrant religious properties, including temples and shrines, which remain under bureaucratic oversight without a dedicated accountability framework.
"What we are witnessing is governance driven by optics rather than outcomes," Sapru said, urging the government to conduct a transparent audit of the scheme and formulate a time-bound roadmap for sustainable rehabilitation.
"The return of Kashmiri Pandits cannot be reduced to a symbolic narrative. It demands political will and measurable action," he added. (KNS)

झारखंड के सूचना आयुक्तों की नियुक्ति पर राजभवन का 'ब्रेक', इन नामों पर आपत्ति के साथ फाइल सरकार को लौटाई

Prabhat Khabar: Jharkhand: Saturday, 11 April 2026.
झारखंड सूचना आयोग में आयुक्तों की बहाली को लेकर बड़ा संवैधानिक संकट खड़ा हो गया है. राज्यपाल संतोष कुमार गंगवार ने राजनीतिक दलों से जुड़े चेहरों को सूचना आयुक्त बनाने की फाइल सरकार को वापस कर दी है. नियमों का हवाला देते हुए राज्यपाल ने पूछा है कि किसी राजनीतिक दल से संबद्ध व्यक्ति इस पद पर कैसे हो सकता है? देखिए, कैसे आरटीआई कार्यकर्ताओं की शिकायत और कानूनी नियमों ने सरकार की सिफारिशों पर सवाल खड़े कर दिए हैं.

झारखंड के राज्यपाल संतोष कुमार गंगवार

झारखंड के राज्यपाल संतोष कुमार गंगवार ने राज्य में सूचना आयुक्तों की नियुक्ति प्रक्रिया पर संवैधानिक और कानूनी सवाल उठाते हुए संबंधित संचिका (फाइल) राज्य सरकार को वापस कर दी है. राज्यपाल ने विशेष रूप से उन नामों पर आपत्ति जताई है जो सक्रिय राजनीतिक दलों से जुड़े हुए हैं. राजभवन ने मुख्य सचिव को फाइल भेजते हुए इन नामों पर स्थिति स्पष्ट करने का निर्देश दिया है. यह फैसला मुख्यमंत्री की अध्यक्षता वाली तीन सदस्यीय चयन समिति की सिफारिशों के खिलाफ एक बड़ा कदम माना जा रहा है.
राजनीतिक चेहरों की सिफारिश पर फंसा पेंच
मुख्यमंत्री चयन समिति ने 25 मार्च को वरिष्ठ पत्रकार अनुज कुमार सिन्हा के साथ तनुज खत्री (JMM नेता), शिवपूजन पाठक (भाजपा मीडिया प्रभारी) और अमूल्य नीरज खलखो (कांग्रेस महासचिव) के नामों की अनुशंसा राजभवन को भेजी थी. राजभवन को प्राप्त शिकायतों और समीक्षा में यह पाया गया कि इन नामों का सीधा संबंध राजनीतिक दलों से है, जो आरटीआई अधिनियम के प्रावधानों के विपरीत है.
नियमों की अनदेखी और शिकायत का असर
आरटीआई कार्यकर्ता सुनील कुमार महतो ने राज्यपाल को लिखित शिकायत भेजकर आगाह किया था कि आरटीआई एक्ट 2005 के अध्याय चार (पारा छह) के अनुसार, राज्य सूचना आयुक्त किसी भी राजनीतिक दल से संबद्ध नहीं होना चाहिए. वह किसी लाभ के पद पर या संसद/विधानमंडल का सदस्य भी नहीं हो सकता. शिकायत में सुप्रीम कोर्ट के ‘अंजलि भारद्वाज बनाम भारत सरकार’ मामले का भी हवाला दिया गया, जिसमें नियुक्ति प्रक्रिया में पारदर्शिता और पात्रता को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश है.
मुख्यमंत्री के साथ चर्चा और हाईकोर्ट का रुख
फाइल लौटाने से पहले राज्यपाल ने विशेषज्ञों से विधिक राय ली और शुक्रवार को मुख्यमंत्री के साथ इस गंभीर विषय पर विचार-विमर्श भी किया. गौरतलब है कि यह मामला झारखंड हाईकोर्ट में भी लंबित है. महाधिवक्ता ने 1 अप्रैल को कोर्ट को चयन प्रक्रिया की जानकारी दी थी, जिस पर अगली सुनवाई 13 अप्रैल 2026 को होनी है. राजभवन के इस कदम से सरकार की मुश्किल अब कोर्ट में भी बढ़ सकती है.

3 साल तक खसरे की जानकारी दबाए बैठे रहे अफसर, 6 अधिकारियों को सूचना आयोग का हंटर

ETV Bharat: Calcutta: Saturday, 11 April 2026.
सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम के तहत मांगी गई जानकारी को तीन साल तक लंबित रखने का मामला. आयोग ने 16 अप्रैल 2026 को सभी अधिकारियों को किया जवाब तलब.

मध्य प्रदेश राज्य सूचना आयोग (ETV Bharat)

सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम के तहत मांगी गई जानकारी को तीन साल तक लंबित रखने का मामला अफसरों पर भारी पड़ता दिख रहा है. अब इस मामले में मध्य प्रदेश राज्य सूचना आयोग ने सख्त रुख अपनाते हुए भोपाल के छह अधिकारियों को कारण बताओ नोटिस जारी किया है. आयोग ने सभी अधिकारियों को 16 अप्रैल 2026 को सुबह 10.30 बजे भोपाल स्थित सूचना भवन में उपस्थित होकर जवाब देने के निर्देश दिए हैं.
बता दें कि पूरा मामला जहांगीराबाद क्षेत्र की एक जमीन के खसरे की जानकारी से जुड़ा है, जिसे वर्ष 2022 में आरटीआई के तहत मांगा गया था. लेकिन तय समय सीमा के बावजूद जानकारी उपलब्ध नहीं कराई गई.
2022 में मांगी गई थी खसरे की जानकारी
मामला भोपाल निवासी अरविंद शाक्याद्वारा 27 जुलाई 2022 को लगाए गए आरटीआई आवेदन से जुड़ा है. आवेदन में जहांगीराबाद क्षेत्र के नजूल शहर वृत्त के खसरा नंबर 999 से संबंधित जानकारी मांगी गई थी. आरटीआई कानून के अनुसार 30 दिनों के भीतर जानकारी देना अनिवार्य होता है, लेकिन इस मामले में तीन साल बीत जाने के बावजूद आवेदक को जानकारी उपलब्ध नहीं कराई गई. लगातार देरी और जवाब नहीं मिलने पर यह मामला राज्य सूचना आयोग तक पहुंचा.
आयोग ने लिया सख्त संज्ञान
इस मामले की सुनवाई के दौरान राज्य मुख्य सूचना आयुक्त विजय यादव ने पाया कि निर्धारित समयसीमा में जानकारी उपलब्ध नहीं कराई गई. आयोग ने वर्तमान लोक सूचना अधिकारी दीपक पांडे को दो बार नोटिस जारी कर आयोग में उपस्थित होने के निर्देश दिए थे, लेकिन वे पेश नहीं हुए. तीसरी बार बुलाए जाने पर उन्होंने आयोग को बताया कि संबंधित जानकारी तत्कालीन अधिकारियों के कार्यकाल से जुड़ी है और उसी समय जानकारी उपलब्ध नहीं कराई गई थी.
छह अधिकारियों को जारी हुआ कारण बताओ नोटिस
प्रकरण की गंभीरता को देखते हुए आयोग ने सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम 2005 की धारा 20(1) और धारा 20(2) के तहत कार्रवाई की प्रक्रिया शुरू की है. आयोग ने आशुतोष शर्मा, एलके खरे, आदित्य जैन, जमील खान, अमन मिश्रा और इकबाल मोहम्मद को कारण बताओ नोटिस जारी किया है. इन सभी अधिकारियों से पूछा गया है कि समय पर जानकारी उपलब्ध न कराने के लिए उनके खिलाफ जुर्माना या अनुशासनात्मक कार्रवाई क्यों न की जाए.
16 अप्रैल को होगी अगली सुनवाई
सूचना आयोग ने इस मामले की अगली सुनवाई 16 अप्रैल 2026 को तय की है. सभी संबंधित अधिकारियों को सूचना भवन, भोपाल में उपस्थित होकर अपना पक्ष रखने के निर्देश दिए गए हैं. आयोग ने यह भी स्पष्ट किया है कि यदि संतोषजनक जवाब नहीं मिला तो आरटीआई अधिनियम के प्रावधानों के तहत आर्थिक दंड और विभागीय कार्रवाई की जा सकती है. इस फैसले के बाद आरटीआई मानना है कि इस कार्रवाई से सरकारी विभागों में आरटीआई आवेदनों के प्रति जवाबदेही और पारदर्शिता बढ़ाने का संदेश जाएगा.

“Right To Information Is A Fundamental Right”: Calcutta High Court Orders Expeditious Disposal Of RTI Query

Live Law: Calcutta: Saturday, 11 April 2026.
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday reiterated that the Right to Information is a fundamental right flowing from Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, and directed the State Public Information Officer of the West Bengal Information Commission to dispose of a pending RTI request within 15 days.
Justice Rai Chattopadhyay was hearing a petition challenging the non-supply of information sought in 2018 and the subsequent handling of the RTI proceedings by the State Information Commission.

Emphasising the constitutional status of the right to information, the Court held: “The right to information is a fundamental right flowing from Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.”
The Court further noted that the RTI Act does not create the right but merely provides the mechanism to operationalise it, adding that the Act “makes transparency a cornerstone of Indian democracy.”
It also underscored that a State Public Information Officer (SPIO) cannot avoid providing information merely because they are not the custodian of the records, observing that the statute does not permit such a defence.
Background
The petitioner had sought information from a school under the RTI Act on 10 October 2018. When no response was received within the statutory period, he pursued first and second appeals before the designated authorities. During pendency of the appeal, the information was eventually supplied though after significant delay.
The petitioner, however, challenged a subsequent corrigendum issued by the West Bengal Information Commission, which closed the proceedings after earlier directing the Principal Secretary, School Education Department, to upgrade websites and ensure compliance with proactive disclosure obligations under Section 19(8) of the RTI Act.
The petitioner also complained that despite statutory rules designating the Head of Institution as custodian of school records, the State often designates Assistant Headmasters as SPIOs, leading to systemic delays and inability to furnish information.
Court's Findings
The Court accepted that the supply of the original information rendered that part of the petition infructuous. However, it addressed the broader grievance regarding inconsistency between statutory rules and administrative practice, observing that:
The 2018 amendment to the Management of Sponsored Institutions (Secondary) Rules makes the Head of Institution the custodian of school records.
Yet the AHM not the Headmaster is commonly designated as SPIO, despite lacking custody of records.
The Court held that despite this, an SPIO cannot refuse information simply because they are not the custodian. The Act allows and requires the SPIO to obtain material from the appropriate custodian and furnish it to the applicant.
Noting that a subsequent RTI application dated 2 January 2020 to the Law Officer/SPIO of the Information Commission remained pending, the Court directed that the Law Officer/SPIO must dispose of the application within 15 days of receiving the order.

CIC lauds ‘public-spirited’ RTI in Puducherry parking fee case

The Print: New Delhi: Saturday, 11 April 2026.
The Central Information Commission has commended a Puducherry-based RTI applicant for his “public-spirited” efforts, saying his actions reflect a “deep commitment to justice and fairness”, while disposing of an appeal related to roadside parking fees.

The case pertains to an Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Ramanathan D seeking details about the legal basis and implementation of vehicle parking fees in Puducherry. The appellant argued that “relevant information has not been provided to him”, particularly on the issue of parking fee collection.
During the hearing, municipal authorities said that “inspection of records was offered to the appellant but he failed to avail of the same”, while also maintaining that delays in the response were “neither deliberate nor intentional” and occurred due to “administrative exigencies” linked to the phased shifting of a bus stand and evolving parking arrangements.
They further submitted that “the complete information available on record has since been supplied to the appellant” after compiling all relevant documents and dispatching them via registered post.
After examining the matter, the Central Information Commission (CIC) directed the public information officer to provide an opportunity to the appellant to inspect available and relevant records and ensure copies are furnished in accordance with RTI rules, including free supply of documents up to a prescribed limit. Highlighting the larger significance of the case, the Commission observed that the appellant “stands as an example of responsible citizenship” and that “such public-spirited interventions are vital in strengthening the fabric of society.”
It added that these efforts “act as a bridge between citizens and the administration, ensuring that grievances do not go unheard or unaddressed”. The CIC said that by raising his voice, the applicant has contributed to making public institutions “more responsive, accountable, and service-oriented”. PTI MHS PRK
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

Policy Number Not Mandatory For Seeking LIC Details Under RTI Act, But Basic Identifying Details Required: Delhi High Court

Live Law: New Delhi: Saturday, 11 April 2026.
The Delhi High Court has held that while an individual can seek details of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) policies under the Right to Information (RTI) Act without furnishing the policy number, such requests must be supported by basic identifying particulars to enable retrieval of information.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia dismissed an intra-court appeal filed by a policyholder, who had sought a complete list of LIC policies in which she was the insured, without providing the policy numbers.
The appellant had filed an RTI application in March 2022 seeking details of all policies issued in her name. The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) of LIC declined the request, stating that information could not be furnished without the policy number. This decision was upheld by the First Appellate Authority.
However, on second appeal, the Central Information Commission (CIC) observed that LIC should develop a mechanism to retrieve policy details even in the absence of policy numbers and ordered disclosure of information.
Challenging the CIC's order, LIC approached the High Court and Single Judge, while noting the need for improving data systems, refrained from issuing mandatory directions and instead allowed the applicant to file a fresh request with relevant details.
Upholding this approach, the Division Bench said,
“It is understandable that if under some insurance policy some person‟s life has been insured without his or her knowledge, he/she may not know the policy number, however, the details regarding insured party‟s name, date of birth, gender, address with pin code, mobile number, email id and bank account number as registered under NEFT are such details which can be presumed to be within the knowledge of the person seeking the information.”
The Bench emphasized the practical limitations involved, observing that LIC manages over 27 crore policies and cannot be expected to manually trace records without adequate inputs.
“...in absence of certain details, it will be difficult; rather impossible to retrieve any information sought in respect of a particular policy. It is quite possible that an insured person may not know the policy number; however, the other details which will enable the LIC to retrieve the details of the insurance policy need to be furnished by a person seeking any such information. In absence of such details, in our opinion, it will be impossible for the LIC to retrieve the information and furnish it to the information seeker,” it said.
As such, the Court dismissed the appeal, while clarifying that there is no restriction on an insured person seeking policy information, provided adequate identifying details are furnished.
(Click here to read order)

CIC exposes RTI lapses in J&K; show cause notices issued to BDO, BMO, others warned

Daily Excelsior: Jammu: Saturday, 11 April 2026.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has exposed a disturbing pattern of gross violation of the provisions of the RTI Act, complete inaction and legally unacceptable conduct by multiple Public Authorities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, issuing show cause notices to the Block Development Officer (BDO) and Block Medical Officer (BMO) while cautioning other officers.
As per one case before the CIC, an appellant filed an RTI application dated 14.02.2024 before the BDO, Mahore in Reasi district, seeking information on 11 points, including funds received by Panchayat Halqa Bal under various Government schemes and the number of beneficiaries under the PMAY scheme in Panchayat Halqa Bathoi.
Not satisfied with the information provided by the PIO and the non-adjudication of the First Appeals, the appellant approached the CIC through a Second Appeal. The Commission observed that the First Appeals dated 15.03.2024 and 29.06.2024 were not adjudicated by the First Appellate Authority (FAA).
Taking an adverse note of the FAA’s complete inaction in failing to adjudicate the appeals, the CIC cautioned the authority to strictly adhere to the timelines prescribed under the RTI Act in future.
“The PIO—BDO Mahore had sent a cryptic response dated 25.05.2024, which was delayed by over three months of the stipulated period of 30 days. More importantly, a point-wise response was not communicated to the appellant keeping in view the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005”, the Commission observed.
“The conduct of the PIO clearly constitutes gross violation of the provisions of the RTI Act without any reasonable cause and is not acceptable”, the CIC said, directing issuance of a show cause notice to the BDO, Mahore, asking why maximum penalty should not be imposed.
In another case, a complainant filed an RTI application dated 21.08.2024 before the PIO, Chief Medical Officer, Ganderbal, seeking information regarding a Female Multipurpose Health Worker under the Block Medical Officer, Kangan.
The complainant alleged that incomplete information was provided and that Section 8 of the RTI Act was wrongly invoked to deny certain details.
After hearing both sides, the CIC observed that the Block Medical Officer, Kangan, had failed to justify disclosure of personal information of a third party despite her explicit refusal conveyed under Section 11 of the RTI Act.
“The conduct of the Block Medical Officer is legally unacceptable as it violates the privacy of the third party and the provisions laid down under Section 8(1)(j) and Section 11 of the RTI Act”, the Commission said.
Accordingly, a show cause notice was issued to the BMO, Kangan, asking why penalty should not be imposed for violating the provisions of the RTI Act and transgressing the privacy of the third party, despite her express refusal to disclose her personal information to the complainant.
In a separate case, the Commission flagged procedural lapses by the Chief Agriculture Officer, Rajouri, noting that information was provided only after receipt of the hearing notice.
The delay, the respondent admitted, was due to voluminous information spanning over a decade and shortage of staff.
However, the CIC took an adverse view of the failure to send even an interim reply, observing that the PIO should have informed the appellant about the time required. The Commission cautioned the officer to be more diligent in handling RTI cases and to strictly adhere to the timelines stipulated under the Act.
Across the cases, the CIC reiterated that the RTI Act is a progressive and beneficial legislation enacted to promote transparency and accountability, but warned that delays, non-adjudication, evasive replies and privacy violations undermine its very purpose.
With multiple show cause notices issued and strict warnings recorded, the Commission’s orders send a clear message that failure to comply with RTI provisions, whether through delay, denial or unlawful disclosure, will invite scrutiny and possible penal consequences.