RBI cannot withhold information under RTI citing ‘fiduciary relations’: SC - Moneylife
RBI cannot withhold information under RTI citing ‘fiduciary relations’: SC - Moneylife
My VIEW:
My VIEW:
The Supreme Court’s observations quoted
here are of great significance, not only because they relate to citizen’s
rights, but in the context of transparency issues in the conduct of statutory
bodies and government departments which enjoy certain rights and privileges
because of the responsibilities entrusted to them. Right from some
constitutional provisions (like the one under Article 311(2) C ) to powers to
penalise institutions supervised by statutory bodies, need to be
applied/exercised in a transparent manner with public interest in view. The
temptation to bring in ‘ownership rights’ or to take shelter under provisions
of the statute book meant to protect institutions from embarrassment in
exceptional situations in a routine manner should be avoided.
here are of great significance, not only because they relate to citizen’s
rights, but in the context of transparency issues in the conduct of statutory
bodies and government departments which enjoy certain rights and privileges
because of the responsibilities entrusted to them. Right from some
constitutional provisions (like the one under Article 311(2) C ) to powers to
penalise institutions supervised by statutory bodies, need to be
applied/exercised in a transparent manner with public interest in view. The
temptation to bring in ‘ownership rights’ or to take shelter under provisions
of the statute book meant to protect institutions from embarrassment in
exceptional situations in a routine manner should be avoided.
M G Warrier
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