Should religious institutions provide information to the RTI applicants?
9 Dec, 2018The Hyderabad High Court has ruled that the religious institutions like temples, churches etc. are not covered under the definition of public authority under the section 2 (h) of the RTI Act. In a progressive step, the Endowments department had directed these religious bodies to provide the information to RTI an applicant which stands negated by the decision.
Earlier, the Madras High Court had ruled 6 years back that the Temples are covered under the RTI Act. [Refer: Madras HC -Temples are covered under the RTI Act
http://www.rtifoundationofindia.com/madras-hc-temples-are-covered-under-rti-act-1842#.XA0c3NszbIU ]
There appears little common ground between the different High Courts of the country on similar issues. Perhaps, the matter would now go to the Supreme Court.