Karnataka High Court Dismisses PIL Seeking Declaration That Temples Are Not Public Authorities Under RTI Act

The Karnataka High Court dismissed a PIL filed by M/s Akhila Karnataka Hindu Temples Priests Agamikas and Archaks Association, seeking exemption of temples from the Right to Information Act, 2005. The petition aimed to withdraw notifications appointing Public Information Officers (PIOs) in temples. \r

The court rejected the plea, stating that temples falling under the Karnataka Hindu Religious and Endowments Institutions notification 1997 are covered under the Act. It deemed the concern of harassment by whistleblowers as vague. \r

Clarifying that individual bodies can challenge the temple's classification as public authorities separately, the court upheld the appointment of PIOs in temples, stating it wouldn't impede Archakas' duties.