CJI’s office comes under purview of RTI act: SC

New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the 2010 judgment of Delhi HC which had held that RTI Act was applicable to Chief Justice of India’s office. “Office of Chief Justice of India is a ‘public authority’ under Right to Information Act,” the Apex Court’s five-judge Constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi said in its verdict, today.

“Judicial independence can’t be achieved by denying information.” the bench said adding that the judicial independence and accountability go hand in hand. ”Transparency strengthens independence,” the Top Court said.The Apex Court had already reserved its verdict after hearing a detailed arguments and submissions from all the respective parties and petitioners and respondents in the case.