Supreme Court asks States, UTs for response to plea alleging failure to set up online RTI portals

The Supreme Court issued notices to all States and Union Territories (UTs) in response to a contempt of court petition alleging non-compliance with a directive to establish online Right to Information (RTI) portals. The petition, filed by Anuj Nakade, claimed that seven States and four UTs had not set up online RTI portals despite a March 2023 directive to do so within three months. The court asked for responses by October 21. The plea also highlighted that existing portals in some States did not meet accessibility and usability standards. This case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in governance and the need for effective implementation of RTI provisions to ensure citizens’ access to information.