Supreme Court: RTI Activism Has Become a Business, Rejects Bail Plea

The Supreme Court on Monday remarked that RTI activism has now become a business. This observation was made during the hearing of a bail plea filed by RTI activist Rakesh Behl and his associate Rajeev Kumar. The court rejected their anticipatory bail plea, citing allegations against them of obstructing road construction work in Gurdaspur and intimidating workers and supervisors at the site.

A bench comprising Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Vijay Bishnoi questioned the authority of the activists, stating, "Who are you to monitor the construction of these roads? What authority do you have? Who gave you these rights?" The Punjab-Haryana High Court had earlier denied bail to the duo on May 14.

RTI activism involves using the Right to Information Act to promote transparency in government operations, expose corruption, and ensure accountability. However, the court noted that some individuals have misused the law for intimidation or blackmail.

Separately, the Supreme Court had earlier commented on the misuse of Public Interest Litigation (PIL), stating on May 5 that PILs have increasingly become tools for private, political, or financial interests rather than public welfare.

Key Points

• Supreme Court remarked that RTI activism has become a business.
• Bail plea of RTI activist Rakesh Behl and Rajeev Kumar rejected.
• Allegations include obstructing road construction and intimidating workers in Gurdaspur.
• Court questioned their authority to monitor construction work.
• Earlier, Punjab-Haryana High Court denied their bail on May 14.