Introduction
Since its enactment in 2005, the Right to Information (RTI) Act has given citizens a powerful weapon against secrecy and red tape. But some of the biggest breakthroughs didn’t just happen in offices or government corridors—they happened in courtrooms and through information commission orders.
These landmark cases are more than individual wins. They redefined what information belongs to the people of India and set precedents that continue to guide millions of RTI applications today.
Why this matters: If you’re filing an RTI, knowing these cases helps you understand your rights—and even cite them in appeals if authorities deny your request.
1) Students vs. CBSE — Access to Answer Sheets
Back in 2011, Aditya Bandopadhyay, a student, simply wanted to see his evaluated answer sheet. The CBSE refused, claiming it wasn’t “information”. He filed an RTI, and the case climbed up to the Supreme Court.
The verdict: The Court ruled that evaluated answer sheets are information under RTI. This opened the doors for students across India to access their papers, ensuring fairness and reducing suspicion in exams.
Impact: Thousands of students now use RTI to verify marks, seek re-checks, and hold exam bodies accountable.
2) Pension Without Aadhaar — A Senior Citizen’s Victory
N.N. Dhumane, a retired postal employee, was denied his pension because he didn’t have Aadhaar. Left helpless, he filed an RTI questioning this rule. The case reached the Central Information Commission in 2018.
The verdict: The CIC declared that essential services like pensions cannot be denied merely due to the absence of Aadhaar unless a law clearly requires it.
Impact: This ruling protected the rights of lakhs of pensioners, ensuring they receive what is rightfully theirs without unnecessary hurdles.
3) The “Untraceable Records” Excuse Struck Down
When Vishwas Bhamburkar filed an RTI, the department brushed him off, saying the records were “untraceable”. Frustrated, he pursued the matter until the Delhi High Court stepped in.
The verdict: The Court held that authorities cannot simply deny information by claiming files are lost. They must conduct diligent searches and even reconstruct records if needed.
Impact: This decision forced departments to improve record-keeping and ended the convenient excuse of “missing files”.
4) FIRs Are Public Documents — Kerala High Court
Jiju Lukose approached the police in Kerala seeking a copy of an FIR via RTI. His request was rejected citing confidentiality. He challenged the denial in court.
The verdict: The Kerala High Court ruled that FIRs are public documents and should be accessible under RTI unless specific exemptions apply (like sensitive cases).
Impact: Citizens now routinely access FIRs, keeping police work more transparent and accountable.
5) UPSC Transparency — Marks and Model Answers
Angesh Kumar, a civil services aspirant, wanted to see his marks and the model answers used by UPSC. His RTI was denied, and the matter reached the Supreme Court.
The verdict: The Court directed UPSC to disclose raw marks and model answers, ensuring greater transparency in one of India’s toughest exams.
Impact: This case boosted fairness in recruitment exams and gave hope to millions of aspirants seeking accountability.
FAQs on Landmark RTI Cases
1. Why are these RTI cases important?
They set legal and policy precedents that expand or clarify your right to information. You can cite them in appeals when your request is refused.
2. Can I use these cases in my RTI application or appeal?
Yes. Mention the relevant principle (e.g., evaluated answer sheets are information; “untraceable” files aren’t a valid excuse) in your First Appeal or complaint to the Commission.
3. Do these rulings still apply today?
Yes. They continue to guide Information Commissions and courts. Departments must follow these principles unless superseded by later binding judgments or laws.
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