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Censures RTI Applicants for Filing Thousands of Frivolous Pleas
The
has taken a firm stance against what it perceives as the systemic abuse of the
, censuring several applicants who have inundated the
(KIC) with thousands of applications and appeals. In a hearing on Monday, Justice Suraj Govindaraj of the single-judge bench orally observed that RTI applications cannot be filed
"
,"
signaling the court’s growing concern over the
.
The case arose from writ petitions challenging the of certain RTI applicants by the KIC. The Commission submitted before the court that some petitioners had filed an extraordinary number of RTI applications and appeals, with one individual allegedly responsible for around 20,000 applications over a span of seven years. The volume of paperwork, the KIC informed the court, was so large that a truck would be required to transport the files.
Background: The RTI Act and Judicial Scrutiny
The RTI Act, enacted in , was designed to empower citizens to seek information from public authorities, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, recent years have witnessed concerns about its misuse, with some individuals filing vast numbers of applications that overwhelm information commissions and public bodies. The ’s intervention highlights the delicate balance between the right to information and the need to prevent .
The court had earlier, on , directed each petitioner to file a detailed setting out the total number of RTI applications or appeals they had filed, the dates, the authorities involved, the documents sought, and the purpose for which the information was intended. The KIC was also directed to supply a complete list of appeals filed by each petitioner.
Petitioners in the Spotlight: Davalasab M Miyyanavar and G.R. Sudheendra
One of the most striking revelations came during the hearing of WP 11087/2026, where the KIC alleged that petitioner Davalasab M Miyyanavar had filed approximately 20,000 RTI applications in seven years. The Commission further noted that Miyyanavar had previously challenged his before the , but that challenge was rejected. Additionally, the KIC pointed out that around Rs 9 lakh in remained unpaid in that matter, and the Registrar General of the Dharwad Bench had already issued a notice regarding the recovery.
Justice Govindaraj expressed displeasure over the unpaid fees, orally remarking, “Have you paid Rs 9 lakh ? We will issue warrant here since it is not paid. Direct the Registrar General to take adequate steps from land revenue.” The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the matter was pending before the Registrar General, who had been asked for three weeks’ time. The court accordingly directed the Registrar General to examine the issue and file a compliance report.
In WP 17771/2026, petitioner G.R. Sudheendra submitted that the KIC had furnished a statement showing 6,482 appeals attributed to him, but not all were pending. He clarified that most of his applications filed since had already been disposed of, and that he runs a fortnightly magazine for which he files RTI applications. The KIC conceded that only about 40–45 of the 6,482 appeals were still pending.
Court’s Observations and Orders
The court’s oral remarks underscored its frustration with the sheer volume of filings. After the KIC’s submission regarding the truckload of papers related to Miyyanavar, Justice Govindaraj observed that such details should be secured and warned that if petitioners were engaging in such practices, they would be dealt with in accordance with law.
The court granted the petitioners two weeks’ time to file their statements or detailed affidavits, given that they claimed complete details were not available with them. They were permitted to file statements based on available information and the data provided by the KIC. The matters have been posted for final hearing on .
Legal Implications and Analysis
This case raises critical questions about the limits of the RTI Act and the judiciary’s role in preventing its abuse. While the right to information is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance, the court’s intervention signals that unfettered filing without legitimate purpose may constitute an . The requirement for each applicant to disclose the reasons for seeking information and the intended use could set a precedent for future RTI litigation.
The court’s emphasis on the number of filings—20,000 or even 6,482—suggests that a threshold may be emerging. Legal professionals will watch closely to see whether the court imposes stricter scrutiny or even sanctions on . The case also highlights the administrative burden on information commissions, who must process each application and appeal, potentially diverting resources from genuine inquiries.
Impact on Legal Practice and the Justice System
This development could have far-reaching consequences for legal practitioners advising RTI applicants. Lawyers may need to counsel clients on the importance of specific, genuine reasons for seeking information, rather than blanket or multiple filings. The court’s disapproval of “filing for the sake of filing” may lead to increased diligence in drafting RTI applications.
Moreover, the issue of unpaid from the earlier writ petition before the Dharwad Bench underscores the potential for financial consequences. The court’s willingness to consider indicates a proactive approach to enforcing court fee compliance, which could deter frivolous litigation.
For the , the court’s backing provides some relief, but also a responsibility to develop clear criteria for or penalizing repeat offenders. The Commission’s own efficiency may come under scrutiny if it cannot manage the influx of applications.
Conclusion
The ’s censure of RTI applicants marks a significant moment in the jurisprudence surrounding the RTI Act. By calling out the misuse of a vital transparency tool, the court has signaled that the judiciary will not tolerate . The final hearing in October will likely provide further clarity on the balance between the right to information and the need to prevent system overload. For now, legal professionals and RTI enthusiasts alike must take note: the freedom to seek information comes with responsibilities, and the courts are watching.
