The Gauhati High Court has recently instructed the State Authorities to expedite the enrollment of Public Information Officers (PIOs) and other Departments on the online RTI Portal, ensuring the inclusion of those who have yet to register.

Additionally, the court directed that a provision be introduced promptly to allow the uploading of supporting documents as optional rather than mandatory.

A division bench consisting of Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice N. Unni Krishnan Nair was hearing a PIL highlighting concerns over the State authorities' failure to comply with the Supreme Court's order dated March 20, 2023, in Pravasi Legal Cell v. Union of India & Ors. (WP(C) No. 1040/2019).

The petitioner also requested the Gauhati High Court to establish an e-committee to facilitate the implementation of an online portal system in the subordinate judiciary of Assam. 

Additionally, the plea sought directions for the respondents to introduce the online RTI portal system in the state and to ensure compliance with the mandate and obligations under Section 4 of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

The petitioner-in-person argued that several Public Information Officers (PIOs) and departments have yet to enroll in the online portal. In response, the State's counsel stated that approximately 85% of PIOs and Departments have already registered, while the remaining are in the process of enrollment. 

Regarding the requirement to upload supporting documents, the petitioner further submitted that the respondents had assured that this condition would be made directory rather than mandatory.

“In view of the fact that the issues highlighted by the petitioner-in person have more or less been resolved by the respondents, we are of the view that no further direction is required to be passed in this PIL petition. However, the State is directed to complete the process of enrolling the Public Information Officers and the other Departments, who have not enrolled till date, and also to make a provision expeditiously for uploading the supporting documents, as directory instead of mandatory. The State shall also make every endeavour to implement the mandate of Section 4 of the Right to Information Act, 2005,” the Court observed.