Today, the Apex Court of India directed all the 25 High Courts of the State to set up online Right to Information Act (RTI Act) portals to deal with RTI applications. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala also directed registrar generals of High Courts to seek directions from their respective Chief Justices for the establishment of such portals for district judiciary.
"We direct all High Courts to establish online RTI portals within 3 months from today. High Courts can formulate adequate provisions to facilitate supply of adequate information. Information to be passed onto the secretary generals of High Courts for administrative directions from the Chief Justices (of High Courts). Same directions to be sought from Chief Justice for the district judiciary," the Court directed.
"Now we will direct all High courts to set up online RTI portals since Supreme Court has done it," the top court said.
Earlier, the Supreme Court sought a response from the National Government. Today, the Court noted that 18 states had filed their replies. and only very few High Courts have online RTI portals.
"After a lapse of 17 years, some High Courts still await to operationalize the websites for this purpose. Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa High Courts have established a website for RTI. Karnataka uses the State govt portal," the Court said in its order.
Therefore, Hon'ble Court has directed all other High Courts to Establish Online RTI Portals Within 3 Months.
Case Details:-
Writ Petition (Civil) No 1040 of 2019
Pravasi Legal Cell
Versus
Union of India and Others
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