SC Challenges HC Ruling Bringing Office of CJI under RTI

The Supreme Court has filed a petition before itself challenging the verdict of Delhi High Court which ruled that the office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) comes under the ambit of RTI Act, reported PTI.

The plea raised the point that the information held by the CJI is sensitive in nature and its disclosure would obstruct independence of the judiciary, said report.

The petition, filed after CJI KG Balakrishnan’s consultation with fellow judges and drafted nearly a month ago, was filed by advocate Devdutt Kamat on behalf of the apex court registry, report said.

The Attorney General G E Vahanvati will argue the case.

The apex court is expected to seek immediate stay on the High Court verdict or it would be obliged to disclose information under RTI Act, said report.

In a path-breaking verdict, the Delhi High Court had on January 12 held that the office of the Chief Justice of India comes under the purview of the RTI Act and rejected a Supreme Court appeal, saying judicial independence is not a judge’s personal privilege but a responsibility cast upon him.