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Politics
Chhattisgarh HC overturns ₹25,000 RTI penalty, stresses proof of mala‑fide intent
✍️ Live Law
🗓 08 Sep 2026, 04:36 AM
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The Chhattisgarh High Court has set aside a ₹25,000 penalty imposed under the Right to Information Act, ruling that a finding of bad‑faith intent must be established before such punishment can stand.
The Chhattisgarh High Court on Wednesday quashed a penalty of ₹25,000 that had been levied against an applicant under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The bench held that the statutory provision allows a fine only when the authority can demonstrate that the applicant acted with mala‑fide intent to obstruct the disclosure of information.
In its judgment, the court observed that the burden of proving bad faith rests on the public authority and cannot be inferred merely from procedural lapses. The decision underscores the need for a clear evidentiary basis before imposing punitive measures on RTI seekers.
Legal experts noted that the ruling may set a precedent for future RTI disputes, reinforcing the principle that the Act is intended to promote transparency rather than penalise genuine information requests. The case highlights the continuing tension between information‑seeking citizens and administrative bodies in India.
The High Court directed the concerned department to withdraw the fine and to ensure compliance with the RTI Act’s procedural requirements. No further penalties were imposed pending a review of the applicant’s conduct.
The judgment is expected to be cited in other state tribunals dealing with similar RTI penalty challenges, potentially shaping the national discourse on the balance between accountability and administrative discretion.
In its judgment, the court observed that the burden of proving bad faith rests on the public authority and cannot be inferred merely from procedural lapses. The decision underscores the need for a clear evidentiary basis before imposing punitive measures on RTI seekers.
Legal experts noted that the ruling may set a precedent for future RTI disputes, reinforcing the principle that the Act is intended to promote transparency rather than penalise genuine information requests. The case highlights the continuing tension between information‑seeking citizens and administrative bodies in India.
The High Court directed the concerned department to withdraw the fine and to ensure compliance with the RTI Act’s procedural requirements. No further penalties were imposed pending a review of the applicant’s conduct.
The judgment is expected to be cited in other state tribunals dealing with similar RTI penalty challenges, potentially shaping the national discourse on the balance between accountability and administrative discretion.