Correctness Of Information Provided Can't Be Adjudicated In Proceedings Under RTI Act: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court clarified that Right to Information proceedings are strictly limited to the disclosure of accessible records, not the verification of their factual accuracy. Public Information Officers must provide all available documents within their purview, but courts cannot adjudicate whether that information is incorrect or if a dispute exists regarding the data’s validity. This ruling prevents applicants from using RTI mechanisms to resolve substantive controversies or correct service records. By maintaining a clear boundary between information disclosure and dispute resolution, the judgment ensures that the RTI Act remains a tool for transparency rather than a substitute for legal challenges or administrative corrections. This decision is highly relevant to open data principles, reinforcing that the availability of data does not equate to its certified truthfulness. It highlights a critical distinction for data consumers: while open data promotes accessibility, it does not automatically validate the underlying facts, requiring users to seek alternative channels for resolving factual inaccuracies.

Source: livelaw.in
Published on 2023-12-18