Section 8(1)(j) Cannot Be Misused to Hide Public Information

Topic: Objection Against Denial of RTI Information by Wrongly Invoking Privacy Clause

This document highlights how authorities often misuse Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act to deny important public information under the excuse of privacy.

Information like educational qualifications, appointments, sanctions, building plans, and tender processes are public documents and must be disclosed if public interest is involved.

The Jabalpur High Court and Central Information Commission have ruled that if the information relates to public duty, selection, contracts, or approvals, it cannot be treated as personal or private.

The PIO must justify any denial clearly, stating how disclosure harms someone’s competitive position or violates privacy — which was not done in this case.

FAA (First Appellate Authority) has a duty to examine such denial and take action against the PIO under Sections 19(8), 20(1), 20(2) of the RTI Act if illegal refusal is proven.

Public documents once uploaded on a website cannot be claimed as private. Citizens have the right to know how decisions are made, who is appointed, and whether rules were followed.