Marks Of Other Candidates In Public Examination Can Be Disclosed Under RTI In Public Interest: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court recently upheld an order of the Bombay High Court, wherein it was observed that a request to disclose the marks obtained by other candidates in a public examination under the Right to Information Act, 2005, in the public interest, cannot be declined.
Feb 17, 2025, 06:53 IST
By an order dated November 11, 2024, passed in a writ petition, the High Court allowed Respondent's plea seeking disclosure of the marks obtained by other candidates, including of himself in the recruitment to the post of Junior Clerk in District Court, Pune, under the RTI Act.
https://www.livelaw.in/supreme-court/marks-of-other-candidates-in-public-examination-can-be-disclosed-under-rti-in-public-interest-supreme-court-284060
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the marks of other candidates in public examinations can be disclosed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act in cases where it is in public interest. This decision came after the court examined whether such disclosures violate the privacy of individuals.
Key Highlights of the Supreme Court's Judgment:
1. Public Interest Argument: The Court emphasized that transparency and accountability are vital, especially in public examinations. If disclosing marks serves a larger public interest, it can override individual privacy concerns.
2. RTI Act: The judgment interprets the RTI Act provisions, especially those related to third-party information. The court ruled that information under the RTI can be disclosed if it serves public interest, even if it involves personal data like exam marks.
3. Balancing Privacy and Public Interest: The Court acknowledged that while privacy is important, in some cases, transparency in public processes, like exams, is more beneficial to society, especially when it addresses issues like discrimination or injustice in the examination system.
The ruling has significant implications for the disclosure of exam marks, especially when there are concerns regarding fairness, corruption, or other irregularities in public examinations. It sets a precedent for how information under the RTI Act can be made public, promoting transparency in the educational system.
For further details, you can read the full article on LiveLaw:
Marks of Other Candidates in Public Examination Can Be Disclosed Under RTI in Public Interest: Supreme Court