Karnataka High Court rejects bid to block RTI activist’s access to information

The court, led by Justice Suraj Govindraju, highlighted that the RTI Act does not have provisions limiting the number of applications a citizen can file, as long as they seek different aspects of information.

author-image
Rajesh Hiremath
High-Court-of-Karnataka (1)
Advertisment

In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has declined to block an order by the State Information Commissioner that had blacklisted an individual, Devaprasad K, from filing further Right to Information (RTI) applications. The decision came after Devaprasad filed a petition challenging a January 28, 2025, order which barred him from submitting additional RTI requests.

Also read: Bengaluru's GBA launches major initiative for permanent road repairs, targets top 100 worst roads

Devaprasad had filed over 476 RTI applications

Devaprasad, who had filed 476 RTI applications, was restricted due to concerns of multiple submissions on the same subject. However, the court, led by Justice Suraj Govindraju, highlighted that the RTI Act does not have provisions limiting the number of applications a citizen can file, as long as they seek different aspects of information.

The bench noted that while the law is designed to prevent misuse, it also upholds the right of citizens to access information. The court emphasized that submitting numerous applications does not inherently signify misuse of the law. "Access to information must not be arbitrarily curtailed," the bench remarked.

Devaprasad's legal team argued that the applications addressed various facets of a single subject and were not repetitive. They pointed out that similar restrictions imposed on other activists had been overturned.

The court issued a notice to the state government, requesting details of Devaprasad’s applications. The case has been adjourned to November 12 for further hearings. The court’s ruling reaffirms the RTI’s role in ensuring government transparency.

Karnataka High Court RTI Act RTI applications RTI requests Devaprasad K
Advertisment