minakshi bindhani
26 September 2021
As per your query
The Right to Information Act, 2005 has been enacted by the Parliament, this Act provides for the right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority.
All Universities and Colleges established by law made by Parliament or by State Legislature or by notification by the appropriate Government or owned, controlled or substantially financed directly or indirectly by funds provided by the Government shall come within the meaning of a Public Authority under this Act.
Furthermore, section 8(1) (j) of the RTI Act provides, regarding personal details of the employees, their educational qualifications, Community and experience certificates, copy of testimonials, property returns filed by the staff members etc. etc., the Commission observed that the same fell in the category of Third Party information which was exempted from disclosure.
However, such Third-party information falls under the expression "personal information", the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or public interest. On the other hand, the disclosure of which would cause an unwarranted invasion of privacy of that individual.
under section 8 of the Act is the rule and only in exceptional circumstances of larger public interest, the information would be disclosed. The expression of " public interest" must be viewed in its strict sense with all its exceptions to justify denial of a statutory exemption in terms of the Act.
Hope it clarifies the issues!
Regards
Minakshi Bindhani
