The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, empowers individuals to demand transparency and accountability from public authorities. Over the years, this powerful legislation has helped resolve numerous personal grievances and systemic issues. Here are five notable cases where individuals successfully used RTI to address their personal concerns and bring about meaningful change:
1. Accessing Answer Sheets for Academic Transparency
Case: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) & Anr. vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay & Ors. (2011)
Background:
Aditya Bandopadhyay, a student, sought access to his evaluated answer sheets to understand his performance better. CBSE denied the request, prompting Aditya to file an RTI application.
Outcome:
The Supreme Court ruled that evaluated answer sheets qualify as "information" under the RTI Act. This decision enabled students across India to access their answer sheets, ensuring greater transparency in the education system.
Whether it’s about pension, exam marks, delayed services, or missing records —
👉 File your custom RTI request online now with expert drafting at FileMyRTI.com.
2. Ensuring Pension Disbursement Without Aadhaar
Case: N.N. Dhumane v. Public Information Officer, Department of Post (2018)
Background:
N.N. Dhumane, a pensioner, was denied his pension due to the absence of an Aadhaar card. He filed an RTI application questioning the legality of such a requirement.
Outcome:
The Central Information Commission (CIC) declared that pension payments cannot be denied for lack of Aadhaar, emphasizing the importance of essential services for the elderly. This decision reaffirmed that public services must remain accessible to all.
3. Retrieving Untraceable Records
Case: Union of India vs. Vishwas Bhamburkar
Background:
Vishwas Bhamburkar filed an RTI application for specific information from a public authority. The request was denied on the grounds that the records were "untraceable."
Outcome:
The Delhi High Court ruled that public authorities cannot deny information by claiming records are untraceable. This landmark decision emphasized the responsibility of public offices to maintain and provide access to records, ensuring accountability.
4. Accessing FIRs as Public Documents
Case: Jiju Lukose v. State of Kerala
Background:
Jiju Lukose sought access to a First Information Report (FIR) via RTI, but the request was denied citing confidentiality concerns.
Outcome:
The Kerala High Court ruled that FIRs are public documents and should be accessible under RTI unless specifically exempted. This judgment improved transparency in the criminal justice system, ensuring citizens can monitor police actions.
5. Clarifying Examination Evaluation Processes
Case: UPSC v. Angesh Kumar
Background:
Angesh Kumar, an unsuccessful candidate in the Civil Services Examination, filed an RTI to access his raw marks and understand the evaluation process.
Outcome:
The Supreme Court directed UPSC to disclose raw marks and model answers, reinforcing transparency in public examinations and upholding the right of candidates to seek clarity in evaluation processes.
Conclusion
These stories demonstrate the transformative potential of the RTI Act in addressing individual grievances. From pensions to exam results and legal documents, RTI has become a vital tool for justice and accountability in India.
"Need to file an RTI for your concerns? Let FileMyRTI assist you with expert drafting and seamless submission. Visit FileMyRTI.com today!"
Login With Google
Continue as Guest
Post a comment