Registrar Of Co-Operative Societies Is 'Public Authority', Expected To Provide Information Not Exempted Under RTI Act: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court ruled that the Registrar of Co-operative Societies is a public authority under the RTI Act, 2005, stating that co-operative societies perform public functions. The court emphasized that transparency in their functioning is crucial for public interest and accountability. This decision arose from a case where the Registrar denied RTI requests citing non-applicability. The court held that co-operative societies, despite being autonomous bodies, fall under the RTI Act's ambit due to their public role in financial transactions and societal welfare. This judgment reinforces the accessibility of information concerning co-operative societies to the public, aligning with the Act's democratic principles.