Karnataka High Court criticises conduct of officials of Nirmithi Kendra in denying information under RTI Act

Karnataka High Court criticises conduct of officials of Nirmithi Kendra in denying information under RTI Act

The Karnataka High Court ruled that Nirmithi Kendras are public authorities subject to the Right to Information Act. This decision rejects the argument that these entities are private societies exempt from transparency laws, emphasizing that government funding and administrative control define their status. The court highlighted that suppressing information undermines public trust and confidence. By dismissing the petition filed by the project director, the judiciary affirmed that attempts to hide details about government-sponsored rural housing projects are unlawful and constitute a breach of accountability. This ruling is vital for open data as it ensures that public funds and state-controlled initiatives remain accessible to citizens. It reinforces the principle that transparency is mandatory for organizations performing government functions, facilitating greater scrutiny and informed public discourse regarding rural development projects.

Source: thehindu.com
Published on 2025-08-13