Protection to RTI activists: Petitioner told to approach Home dept

The High Court of Karnataka on Monday directed a petitioner, seeking protection for persons who frequently file applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, to give his representation to the additional chief secretary, Home department.

The petitioner, Umapathi S, approached the court, citing increasing instances of attack and murder of RTI activists and whistleblowers. He has contended that the government has failed to initiate necessary action to give protection to RTI activists.

Umapathi said the High Court had taken up the case of the murder of RTI activist Lingaraju after reports in the media.

The court disposed of the matter, directing the government to frame suitable policy for protection of activists.

However, the government failed to act on the direction, despite a contempt petition being filed against it. A division bench comprising Chief Justice S K Mukherjee and Justice R B Budihal disposed of the PIL, directing the petitioner to give his representation to the additional chief secretary in two weeks and for considering the representation in three months.