Court Dismisses Petition Seeking Disclosure of Personal Financial Information of Public Servant
Bengaluru, June 1, 2026 - The Karnataka High Court, presided by Justice Suraj Govindaraj, has dismissed a writ petition filed by Smt. S Savithramma against the Karnataka Information Commission, reinforcing the privacy protections provided under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The petition sought the disclosure of the asset and liability statements of Sri S.P. Jayapal, a public servant, for the years 1997-2005, which was argued to be necessary for a private legal dispute.
The petitioner, represented by advocate Sri G.B. Nandish Gowda, contended that Sri S.P. Jayapal had procured a property sale deed through fraudulent means and that the information requested was crucial for ongoing civil suits. The request for disclosure was previously rejected by the Karnataka Information Commission, citing Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, which protects personal information from disclosure unless a larger public interest is demonstrated.
Justice Govindaraj upheld the Commission's decision, emphasizing the balance between the right to information and the right to privacy. The court noted that while public servants are accountable, their personal information does not automatically become public merely by virtue of their employment. The judgment highlighted that private disputes do not satisfy the test of larger public interest required to override privacy rights under the RTI Act.
The court further clarified that the expression "larger public interest" must relate to issues such as exposing corruption or misuse of public office, and not be conflated with private interests or disputes. The petitioner failed to establish any overriding public interest that justified the disclosure of the personal financial details of Sri S.P. Jayapal.
This decision underscores the judiciary's role in protecting individual privacy rights while ensuring transparency in public administration, reinforcing that privacy remains a constitutionally protected right in India.
Bottom line:-
Right to Information Act, 2005 - Disclosure of personal information under Section 8(1)(j) - Mere allegations or private disputes do not justify disclosure of personal information unless demonstrable larger public interest outweighs privacy rights.
Statutory provision(s): Right to Information Act, 2005, Section 8(1)(j)
Smt. S Savithramma v. Karnataka Information Commission, (Karnataka) : Law Finder Doc id # 2921867
