RTI - No need to say why the information is sought - Madras High Court corrects decision
YESTERDAY while reporting the requirements under RTI Act, DDT mentioned about a Madras High Court decision that an information seeker under the RTI Act has to show why he wants the information. This decision has caused a commotion in the country. It is reported that the High Court suo moto revised its order and deleted the portions in the order which held that the information seeker had to show why he wanted the information.
Apparently the provisions of Section 6(2) of the RTI Act was not brought to the notice of the High Court when the initial order was delivered.
Section 6(2) reads as:
An applicant making request for information shall not be required to give any reason for requesting the information or any other personal details except those that may be necessary for contacting him .
Right to Information SAVED!
An Apology: While reporting the DoPT Memo about suo moto publication of certain information by the Government departments, I had made a remark that CBEC and CBDT have not published this information.
A Commissioner pointed out to me that CBEC has indeed published the details and I was wrong.
This was a gross blunder on my part and should not have happened. I deeply regret the gaffe and unconditionally apologise to the Board and the Netizens.