Headline
The Supreme Court of India upholds the order of Bombay High Court permitting disclosure of marks under RTI.
Summary
The Supreme Court of India upheld the decision of Bombay High Court allowing the disclosure of marks obtained by candidates in a public examination under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The Supreme Court stated that such information, though personal, serves public interest and increases transparency in recruitment.
Key Facts
- Case Name: Public Information Officer and Registrar & Anr. vs. Onkar Dattatray Kalmankar & Anr.
- Judges Name: Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah
- Bombay HC on 11 th November, 2024 ordered disclosure of marks obtained by candidates in the Junior Clerk recruitment for Pune District Court.
- Petitioner’s Argument: Disclosure of marks is “confidential” and an intrusion of privacy.
- The Supreme Court of India ruled that disclosure is justified in public interest under RTI Act.
Legal Insights
The Supreme Court of India stressed that Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act does not exempt all personal information but only those information whose revelation is an “unwarranted invasion of privacy” without public interest.
Impact
The ruling of the Supreme Court states clearness in public recruitment, ensuring equality in the process of selection. It also shed light on the RTI Act scope relating to personal information in public examinations.
Why It Matters
This verdict will make a precedent for the same kind of cases, restating the right to access public information and ensuring accountability in government recruitment.
Source
- Supreme Court of India
- Legal glossary- Verdict
