Allahabad High Court imposes ₹6.7 lakh costs on RTI misuse litigant

It covers legal questions regarding the scope of public authority obligations, the status of private documents, and penalties for misuse of the RTI Act.

Who it concerns: The rulings concern various High Courts (Bombay, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Allahabad) and public authorities such as local bodies, the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC), and the Karnataka Information Commission. The applicants involved include RTI seekers, activists filing mass appeals, and litigants accused of misuse.

What was ruled

• Public authorities are not obliged to collect information from private bodies to fulfill RTI requests.
• Private documents stored in public offices do not automatically become public documents under the RTI Act.
• Approved building plans by local bodies are not considered 'personal information' and can be disclosed.
• Non-supply of RTI information after election results is not a 'corrupt practice' under the Representation of the People Act.
• Communications from competent authorities prevail over RTI-furnished information if unrebutted.
• RTI applicants cannot be accompanied by third parties to inspect records if they are not conversant with the language or content.
• Courts may impose costs for misuse of the RTI Act and disturbing proceedings.

Also in the document

• The Allahabad High Court imposed ₹6.7 lakh in costs on a litigant for misusing the RTI Act and disturbing court proceedings.
• The Karnataka High Court directed petitioners blacklisted by the Karnataka Information Commission to file affidavits justifying thousands of applications and appeals.
• The Kerala High Court stayed an order directing the KPSC to disclose rank holders' marks and experience certificates.