RTI ACT
Tamil Nadu man breaks up with college girlfriend, later files 97 RTI pleas asking if she is still single or dating another man; commissioner warns of medical treatment
A Villupuram man filed 97 RTI applications containing 1,887 questions seeking information about his former college girlfriend, including her relationships, address, workplace and photograph. Police told the Tamil Nadu Information Commission that she had complained of harassment and attempted suicide in June 2025. The commissioner rejected the applications and warned the man would be sent to medical counselling.
Justice Narasimha recuses from plea to finalise judges’ appointment MoP and bring Collegium decisions under RTI
Supreme Court Justice PS Narasimha recused himself from a case regarding the Memorandum of Procedure for judicial appointments. The plea, filed by NGO Lok Prahari, seeks to finalize the MoP as it has been pending since 2015. This procedure governs the appointment and transfer of judges to higher courts in India. The petition also calls for enhanced transparency in the selection process and access to Collegium meeting minutes.
Anthropic IPO rocks Indian IT; Why Walmart is in no hurry to list Flipkart
Anthropic’s US IPO filing sent Indian IT stocks lower on Tuesday. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Clock’s ticking for data protection, but the boardroom remains empty
Under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, the framework for registering consent managers with the DPBI is scheduled to start on November 13. But a government response to a Right to Information (RTI) application shows that the board spent not a single rupee on salaries, office expenses, rent or information and communication technology equipment as of September 30 this year.
'National interest, safety' outweigh disclosure: CIC upholds denial of Ashok Hotel structural report
The RTI applicant had sought the report, its findings, details of any amendments or corrigenda, and correspondence between IIT Roorkee and ITDC regarding the structural assessment. The applicant argued that the information was in the larger public interest, citing concerns over the hotel's structural strength.
Mallikarjun Kharge renews attack on Gyanesh Kumar, urges people to join November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan amid traders’ concerns
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has urged citizens to join the INDIA bloc's upcoming rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. The rally aims to address accusations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar concerning electoral roll irregularities. Traders in Delhi have requested a postponement of the event due to potential impacts on business during the festive season. Kharge acknowledged the traders' concerns and stated that a decision would be made after discussions.
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'Trade secrets': What powers SIR's voter-roll checks? EC declines to reveal software details
The Election Commission has refused to disclose the software and algorithm details used to detect errors in voter rolls during the Special Intensive Revision, citing commercial confidence, trade secrets and intellectual property rights. Responding to an RTI application, the poll body said no new software was developed or procured for the exercise.
Cabinet Secy flags 'interference' risk in letters from two ECs
The Cabinet Secretariat reviewed communications from Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding an ECI officer. They indicated that Deputy EC Maneesh Garg acted without proper approval and did not follow protocols. These communications were considered unofficial and not from the commission as a whole. They expressed concern over Garg's actions after receiving repeated instructions against such conduct.
SC advances Delhi SIR hearing after plea flags deleted voters being asked to fill Form 6
The Supreme Court has agreed to advance the hearing on challenges related to Delhi's electoral rolls. This decision follows concerns about voters being required to fill Form 6 for re-inclusion. Petitioners argue that this requirement misrepresents their voting status and could lead to legal consequences. The bench is considering issuing an order to rectify these issues before the October 30 deadline.
RTI Act turns 21: Commissions choke on backlog, appeals in Tripura, MP may be decided in 2046
An independent study has revealed significant delays in the disposal of RTI appeals across various states. Tripura and Madhya Pradesh have the longest waiting periods, with resolutions expected by 2046. The backlog of pending appeals has slightly decreased compared to last year, though it remains extensive. Notably, the Central Information Commission returned nearly one-third of all appeals filed during the review period.
PM Modi degree case: Gujarat HC rejects Kejriwal appeal, upholds Rs 25,000 cost on him
The Gujarat High Court has dismissed Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal against an order quashing a 2016 CIC directive that asked Gujarat University to disclose Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s academic degree. The court also upheld the earlier Rs 25,000 cost imposed on Kejriwal, finding no reason to interfere with the single-judge ruling.
Tamil Nadu gold ring scheme for babies: Who is eligible, how to avail benefits and other key details
Tamil Nadu gold ring scheme news: On Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will launch a one-gram gold ring scheme for newborns. This initiative aims to honor motherhood and promote women’s health while encouraging institutional deliveries. Eligible mothers, who are permanent residents of Tamil Nadu and registered under the relevant programs, will receive the gold rings. Distribution will start on September 28, with a focus on public healthcare trust.
After backlash, Vijay sarkar rescinds L&O RTI waiver
The ruling TVK government on Sunday withdrew its order expempting Public (Law and Order) department from the Right to Information (RTI) Act following widespread outrage. The department was classified as an 'Intelligence and Security Organisation' under the withdrawn order which would have kept it outside the RTI framework and restricted public access to the information it holds. Earlier, the exemption was defended as an attempt to keep information related to community clashes outside the RTI framework.
Vijay's TVK govt exempts Public (Law and Order) Department from the RTI Act in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's government exempted the Public (Law and Order) Department from the RTI Act. A Gazette notification was issued under Section 24(4) of the RTI Act to classify the department accordingly. This classification denotes that information on various sensitive matters will not be accessible through RTI applications. Issues such as communal incidents, political agitations, and police custody deaths will be included in this exemption.
Petronet to pay directors up to 1% of profit as commission
Petronet LNG Ltd has proposed to seek shareholders' approval for paying commissions to directors from FY27 to FY31. This proposal is for a maximum of 1% of annual profits according to the Companies Act, 2013. The company reported a net profit in FY26, with commissioner payments remaining below statutory limits. Akshay Kumar Singh, the CEO, received a commission of Rs 26.5 lakh each in FY26.
CIC recommends publishing paper-wise UPSC marks, flags no order for 2018 halt
The Central Information Commission has recommended reinstating the practice of publishing the detailed break-up of marks obtained by selected candidates in the Civil Services (Main) Examination after finding that the DoPT had no record of any formal decision behind discontinuing the practice from 2018. The matter gained traction after an RTI application seeking comparative data of marks obtained by all selected candidates in each General Studies paper, optional subject paper and the Personality Test over 10 years, up to 2023. The CIC directed the DoPT to provide the RTI applicant the detailed marks obtained by recommended candidates in each GS paper, optional subject paper and Personality Test for CSE 2018 to 2023.
ED's National Herald case cannot stand on a private complaint: Sonia, Rahul Gandhi tell Delhi HC
The Gandhis' reply say that the words "private complaint" appear nowhere in the PMLA. They call this case the only instance in India where ED has acted on a private citizen's complaint. That complaint was filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy back in 2013.
Mumbai-Goa Highway cost jumps 48% to Rs 16,909 crore: One package up 126%, Rs 11,577 crore spent, yet parts remain unfinished; RTI reveals why Konkan commuters are still waiting
Mumbai-Goa highway cost: Mumbai-Goa highway widening project's sanctioned cost has risen by nearly 48%, with more than Rs 11,500 crore already spent on its development. Delays have been attributed to land acquisition issues and contractor-related challenges, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. Activists have questioned accountability over the prolonged execution and rising costs, while the project's completion remains a concern for Konkan travellers.
No online game registered under new gaming law; 201 complaints received: MeitY to CIC
The information was furnished in response to an RTI application seeking details of online games permitted to operate, complaints received regarding online games and action taken against fake online games.
HRTC charges Rs 29 extra on return ticket from Haridwar; passenger says super luxury toll paid for ordinary bus, wins Rs 50,000
A passenger who paid Rs 55 toll on his Una to Haridwar return bus ticket, against Rs 26 charged on the onward journey for the same route, approached the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Una after HRTC failed to justify the increase. The commission found HRTC's own records contradicted its claim of an approved toll hike and that the higher rate applied only to super luxury buses, not the ordinary bus the passenger travelled in. HRTC has been ordered to refund the extra amount with 9 percent interest and pay Rs 50,000 in total as compensation.
TMC's Gokhale questions NCPI credentials, flags 84-day silence of EC on RTIs
Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale questioned the Election Commission's 84-day delay in responding to his RTI query. He sought details about the Nationalist Citizens Party of India and its credentials. Gokhale also inquired about 20 sitting TMC MPs claiming to have joined this party. The Lok Sabha Secretariat also failed to respond to a related RTI after 84 days.
CIC directs Food Ministry to disclose inter-ministerial committee records on Bharat Atta and Rice
The Central Information Commission has directed the Department of Food and Public Distribution to provide agendas and minutes of the Inter-Ministerial Committee concerning the Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice schemes, if the matter has been decided and completed. The department must redact third-party information and clarify if the decision remains pending.
Board exam answer sheets: CIC tells CBSE to charge as per RTI Rules, amend circular
The Central Information Commission ordered CBSE to charge RTI photocopying fees strictly as prescribed. It also directed the board to amend a circular restricting revaluation after obtaining answer sheets. This directive came after a student sought answer script copies due to high re-evaluation costs. The commission found the restriction inconsistent with the transparency law's spirit. CBSE must now align its rules with the RTI Act's overriding effect.
Air India B787 engine shutdown: GE expanded inspections after 2023 incident, DGCA tells CIC
GE Aerospace expanded engine inspection requirements after an Air India 787-8 incident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed this action to the Central Information Commission. This expansion included additional engine serial numbers for affected aircraft. The investigation found improper installation of locking lugs caused the engine surge. Compliance with the service bulletin was completed within the prescribed timeline.
ECI refuses RTI details on CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s official visits, claims ‘personal information’
Saket Gokhale, a former MP, has alleged that the Election Commission is withholding information about CEC Gyanesh Kumar's official travel. The commission has referred to personal information provisions under the RTI Act to deny sharing financial details, which Gokhale contests. He expressed that expenses related to public duties should not fall under personal privacy, criticizing the Election Commission for a lack of transparency and accountability since Kumar took over.
RTI Act has become a people's movement, says CIC Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha
The Chief Information Commissioner, Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, has praised the Right to Information Act (RTI Act) in India, calling it a "people's movement". Sinha stated that no other country has such a large number of applications being filed and replied to. He acknowledged that there are still shortcomings in the Act that need to be addressed, but expressed hope that with time and experience, improvements will be made.
Government may amend RTI Act despite opposition
Govt has advertised for the top job of CIC without specifying service terms– which is in sync with the proposed amendments that Parliament is yet to pass
Government puts 'secret' Cabinet note on RTI Act amendment online
The CIC had in its order on June 3 held that the six political parties were public authorities and come under the purview of RTI Act.
RTI should be circumscribed if it encroaches on privacy: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Voicing concern over frivolous and vexatious use of RTI Act, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the citizens' right to know should definitely be circumscribed if it encroaches on an individual's privacy.
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