Ranchi, Apr 12: A senior judge of Supreme Court feels that credibility of Right to Information Act will go down gradually if it is not used with “right application”.

Mr Justice A K Patnaik made this observation during a lecture on “Right to Information Act, 2005” organised by the Central Unicversity of Jharkhand (CUJ) today.

Terming as “problem” some activists’ seeking information through RTIs without any rhyme and reason, he asserted that democracy would gradually mature…the people would also start ignoring ill users of the Act.
“If you use it with right application of mind you can serve the country in a great way” the Apex Court judge said.

He brought home the point that the Supreme Court always sees to it that the freedom of expression is jealously protected and every citizen ha right to be informed.

But there are “some problems” too, he said and made it clear if information is not available then you don’t have to stop your daily office work and start collecting information for the RTI applicant.

Mr Justice Patnaik replied to a query from audience as to how to respond in the wake of large number of RTIs applications being received by the CUJ leading to disruption of regular office functioning.

 

The senior judge was of the opinion that such activities were certainly irritants but never could be potential enough to stall progress forever.
“Keep on doing your job and the people with vested interest will one day get frustrated”, he said.

]School for Study of Culture chairperson Prof Jeuti Baruah introduced the distinguished speaker.

Vice Chancellor Prof A N Mishra in his address hoped that the lecture would educate the listeners and help counter many doubts often faced with referenced to RTI.

Registrar (in-charge) Prof R K dey proposed the vote of thanks.

Faculty members, administrative staff and students took part in the programme.