The Supreme Court has observed that RTI activism has turned into a new business, as it refused to grant anticipatory bail to an activist and his aide accused of obstructing a public servant in road construction work.
Court's Remarks on RTI Activism
A Bench of Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Vijay Bishnoi stated, "RTI activism has become a new business. The Central government has issued funds… It will take care of the construction of the road. You are nobody. So-called RTI activist! Yellow journalism... Dismissed." The court dismissed the bail plea of RTI activist Rakesh Kumar Behl and his aide.
Questioning Authority
The Bench questioned the petitioners' authority to monitor road construction. "Who are you to monitor the construction of all these road progress or all? Are you some superior authority?" it asked, while they challenged the Punjab and Haryana High Court's order denying anticipatory bail.
Petitioners' Defense
The petitioners' counsel argued that they were falsely implicated for highlighting corruption in road construction. However, the high court had earlier observed, "Considering the nature and gravity of the allegations; the active role attributed to the appellants and the requirement of custodial interrogation do not persuade this court to exercise discretion in favour of the appellants."
Allegations and FIR
The activist and his aide allegedly obstructed ongoing road construction, intimidated the complainant supervising the work, and assaulted him. They also made caste-based derogatory remarks against labourers. An FIR was registered under the BNS, 2023 and the SC/ST Act, 1989.
