Law Students File PIL Seeking Online RTI Portal For Supreme Court

Two law students have moved the Supreme Court of India seeking an Online RTI Portal for the Supreme Court, for e-filing of RTI Applications and First Appeals.

The PIL has been filed seeking directions to the respondents including the Supreme Court through its Secretary-General, Supreme Court's E-committee and the National Informatics Centre to set up an online RTI Portal in a time-bound manner. 

The petition filed through Advocate Neha Rathi has argued that the Supreme Court of India, despite being a "public authority" under Section 2(h) of the Right to Information Act 2005, has not created such a portal since the enactment of the RTI Act

The plea has stated that the Government of India has already been running its Online RTI Portal (www.rtionline.gov.in) successfully which covers all central ministries and departments giving the people a smooth and speedy access to information.

The petitioners, Akriti Agarwal and Lakshya Purohit, have argued that Supreme Court's E- Committee has already provided an efficient mechanism for e-filing of petitions but lacks the same when it comes to e-filing of RTI applications.

According to the petitioners they have already written to the concerned authorities of the Supreme Court to create such a portal, but no action has been taken till date, thereby causing delay and denying access to speedy information and justice.

"In the current pandemic COVID-19, the entire nation has been constrained in terms of physical movement and accessing post offices for filing of RTI Applications. This is acting as a serious hurdle in accessing information and access to justice and leads to violation of fundamental rights of the citizens, guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) & Article 21 respectively of the Constitution of India," the plea states

The petition has cited Supreme Court's order in the case of Pravasi Legal Cell v Union of India & Ors. saying that the Court has recognised the legal mandate of Online RTI Portal for State Governments and also issued notice dated 26.08.2019.

The petitioners have also pointed out that the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana had also emphasised on courts being litigant friendly while addressing a gathering at the event organised by Karnataka State Bar Council to pay tribute to late Justice Shantanagoudar.

Case Title: Akriti Agarwal & Anr vs Supreme Court & Anr