Information Seeker Has No Locus Standi In Penalty Proceedings Against Public Information Officer U/S 20 Of RTI Act: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court addressed an RTI Act case where an applicant sought information from the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) but faced penalties under Section 20 for not having a proper locus standi. The court clarified that penalties under Section 20 are applicable only if there is a failure to provide information by the CPIO, not based on the applicant’s standing. The court emphasized that penalties should be imposed considering the intent and procedural compliance of the CPIO rather than the applicant’s credentials. This ruling reinforces that penalties are linked to the CPIO’s performance in fulfilling RTI obligations rather than the applicant's legal standing.