High Court directs Karnataka Information Commission to create central RTI disclosure repository
The Karnataka High Court has ordered the Karnataka Information Commission to create a centralized electronic repository for RTI disclosures. This system will allow citizens to access data on RTI applications, appeals, and penalties across all state departments in a uniform format.
Why it matters
This ruling significantly enhances government transparency and accountability by making public information easier to track and access.
The High Court of Karnataka has directed the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) to prescribe a uniform format for the collection, maintenance and disclosure of information relating to the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act by public authorities in the State.
The court also directed the KIC to establish on its website a central electronic repository or index through which citizens can locate RTI disclosures of different departments and public authorities without having to search each website separately.
The uniform format, the court said, must include year-wise information on RTI applications received, disposed of and rejected; first and second appeals; penalties imposed; and disciplinary action recommended against Public Information Officers (PIOs) under Section 20 of the RTI Act for failure to furnish, or denial of, information sought under the Act.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued the directions while partly allowing a petition filed by Ramesh Babu N. of Bengaluru.
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