MP High Court Allows Ajay Dubey to Inspect Raj Bhavan Records

Bhopal. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has passed an important order concerning documents linked to Raj Bhavan. RTI activist Ajay Dubey will now be able to inspect records related to reports sent by the Governor to the Central Government about the political and administrative situation in the state.

The High Court modified an earlier order passed by a single bench in the case. Under the revised arrangement, Ajay Dubey can first inspect the relevant documents. After examining the records, he can apply for certified copies of the documents he considers necessary.

Legal battle over access to Raj Bhavan records

The case concerns reports sent by the Governor to the Central Government. These reports are said to contain details about the political and administrative circumstances in Madhya Pradesh.

RTI activist Ajay Dubey wanted to obtain information related to these documents. The matter reached the High Court as part of the legal battle over access to records held at Raj Bhavan.

During the hearing, the High Court modified the earlier order of the single bench and opened the way for inspection of the records. Ajay Dubey will now be able to examine the relevant documents and decide which records he wants copies of.

Once the inspection is completed, he can submit an application for copies of the required documents.

Inspection first, copies later

The High Court’s order is being seen as important in terms of access to records under the Right to Information. However, the order, at this stage, permits inspection of the documents.

The order does not directly provide the documents’ copies. To obtain certified copies, Ajay Dubey will have to follow the prescribed procedure and apply for the specific records required after inspecting the Raj Bhavan files.

The decision changes the earlier position by allowing inspection before an application is made for certified copies.