A blanket denial of information under Section 8(1)(j) for a public charitable trust enjoying tax exemptions is unsustainable; the public interest in transparency and accountability regarding statutory compliance and financial management outweighs third-party privacy claims.

Relevant facts emerging from appeal:

Information sought:

1. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 05.04.2024 (offline) seeking the following information:

“I Dr. S. Amala Rani resident of above said address and Mobile No.********81

(i) Subject matter of information under Right to Information Act 2005:

The following information/documents pertain to M/s. Annai Educational Trust (PAN:AACTAxxxxx), New Sankaranpalayam Road, Sankaranpalayam, Vellore -632001 C/o. Sri Annai Polytechnic College, Indira Nagar, Earayankadu & Post, (Via) Sedhuvalai, Anaicut TK, Vellore Disst-63210 4 may kindly be provided to me under Right to Information Act 2005

1. Provide me document that indicates the date on which by subject Trust (PAN: AACTAxxxxx) have applied for migration of its registration to the new registration scheme as per section 12AB of Finance Act 2020 as per Notification No. 19/2021 dated 26-03-2021.

2. Provide me the copy of an application in new Form 10A was made under section 12A(1) (ac) (i) of Finance Act 2020 by subject Trust to Income tax department for re-registration under Section 12AB (1)(a) Finance Act 2020 as per Notification No. 19/2021 dated 26-03-2021.

3. Provide me the copy of application in new form 10A was made under clause (i) of the first proviso to sub-section (5) of section 80G or clause (iv) of the first proviso to sub-section (5) of section 80G of Finance Act 2020 by subject Trust to Income tax department for re-registration or registration under section 80G (5) of Finance Act 2020 as per Notification No. 19/2021 dated 26-03-2021.

4. Provide copy of granting registration under section 12AB(1)(a) of Finance Act 2020 for application made u/s 12A (1) (ac) (i) of Finance Act 2020 for an existing registered trust as on No. 10AC and sixteen-digit alphanumeric Unique Registration Number (URN). on 1-4-21] to subject Trust in Form

5. Provide copy of granting approval under section 80G(5) (granting approval under clause (i) or (iii) of the second proviso read with third of section 80G Trust in Form No. 10AC and sixteen-digit alphanumeric Unique Registration Number (URN).

6. Provide me the name and designation of person from subject Trust who is authorized to submit online furnishing Form No. 10A or 10AB Verification of the return of income under section 140 of the Act with digital signature (DSC) or EVC.

7. Provide me details of Name, Designation of the Key Persons furnished by subject Trust along with Form 10A.

8. Provide me the details of Assets, Liabilities, Religious Activities & Income, if return of income filed for last three previous years furnished by subject Trust along with Form 10A.

09. Provide me the copy of the instrument creating the trust or establishing the institution furnished by subject Trust along with Form 10A.

10. Provide me the copy of registration with Registrar of Public Trusts furnished by subject Trust along with Form 10A.

11 Provide me the copy of existing order granting registration under section 12AB to subject Trust.

12. Provide me copies of the annual accounts of the trust or institution relating to prior year or years (not being more than three years immediately preceding the year in which the said application is made) for which such accounts have been made up furnished by subject Trust along with Form 10A”

2. The CPIO furnished a reply to the Appellant on 17.05.2024 stating as under:

“In the instant case, Dr. S. Amala Rani has sought information under RTI claiming that Dr. S. Amala Rani is a Trustee in Annai Educational Trust. The peti