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CIC Bars Lawyers From Using RTI for Client Cases, Dismisses Appeal

The ruling relies on a Madras High Court decision that restricts advocates from seeking information for clients.

Overview

  • The case stemmed from an advocate's RTI application filed on behalf of his brother over a terminated fruits-and-vegetables supply contract at a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Haryana's Sirsa district.
  • The commission found the application impermissible, noting the client could request information personally as a citizen under the RTI Act.
  • The CIC upheld the public authority's response that many records could not be provided because they were destroyed in a July 12, 2024 office fire, supported by police and fire reports.
  • Requests for personal data were denied under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, and the CIC said it found no infirmity in those denials.
  • The appeal was disposed of with a direction to provide the appellant free copies of his written submissions with enclosures within one day of receiving the order.