CJI's office falls under RTI Act: HC

 In a landmark judgement, the Delhi High Court held that the office of Chief Justice of India falls under the purview of the Right to Information Act and the details pertaining to judges' assets could be revealed under the law.

"The CJI is a public authority under the Right to Information Act and the CJI holds the information pertaining

to assets declaration in his capacity as Chief Justice. Thatoffice is a public authority under the Act and is covered by its provisions," Justice S Ravindra Bhatt said.

"Declaration of assets by Supreme Court judges is aninformation under Section 2 (f) of the RTI Act. Theinformation pertaining to declaration given to the CJI and thecontents of such declaration are information and subject tothe provisions of the RTI Act," the court said.

The court upheld the Central Information Commission's order directing the Supreme Court to reveal information whether judges are declaring their assets to the Chief Justice of India or not.

On the issue whether disclosure of information was"unworkable" due to lack of clarity about the details as well

as lack of security, the court said CJI can evolve uniformstandards and devise relevant formats and periodicity ofdeclaration.

"These are not insurmountable obstacles. The CJI, if he deems it appropriate, may in consultation with the Supreme Court judges evolve uniform standards, devising the nature ofinformation, relevant formats and, if required, the periodicity of declaration to be made," the court said in its 72-page order.