'Won't Allow Misuse Of RTI Act': Karnataka High Court Refuses To Stay Blacklisting Order Passed Against Man Who Filed 476 RTI Applications

'Won't Allow Misuse Of RTI Act': Karnataka High Court Refuses To Stay Blacklisting Order Passed Against Man Who Filed 476 RTI Applications

The court upheld a ban on an individual filing Right to Information requests, citing the excessive volume of applications as potential misuse of the Act. By refusing to stay the order, the bench emphasized that public spirit does not justify overwhelming public authorities with hundreds of queries, distinguishing between legitimate scrutiny and harassment. This decision is relevant to open data because it highlights the critical tension between transparency rights and administrative feasibility. It signals that unchecked, mass data extraction can lead to legal restrictions, potentially chilling civic engagement and the free flow of information. Ultimately, the ruling warns that open data ecosystems require responsible usage norms. Without boundaries on inquiry volume, the integrity of information systems may be compromised, leading to stricter regulatory measures that could hinder genuine public accountability and access to government records.

Source: livelaw.in
Published on 2025-10-16