Andhra Pradesh Information Commission dismisses 160 RTI cases, raps appellant over misuse

The Andhra Pradesh Information Commission rejected the 160-second objections and complaints filed by Bapatla-based RTI activist Naidu Nagarjuna Reddy on the grounds that he was misusing the service. Right to Information (RTI) Act by repeatedly making annoying and complaint-oriented applications. The joint order was issued by Chief Information Commissioner Vajja Srinivasa Rao on June 30, 2026.

Andhra Pradesh Information Commission passed this joint order in Second Appeal No. 3328 of 2025.

The Commission observed that the appellant had filed thousands of RTI applications, numerous first appeals and over 400 second appeals, most of which were related to his personal grievances and criminal cases. He noted that information was often sought in repeated applications and the RTI mechanism was used as a litigation tool rather than promoting transparency and accountability.

During the hearings, the appellant admitted that he had never filed a public interest litigation or corruption complaint using information obtained through RTI. The Commission also noted statements by public authorities that the appellant had harassed the authorities through repeated appeals. References to his criminal history and pending cases were made in the affidavits before the commission, but they were reproduced as affidavits from the defendants.

Relying on the decisions of the Supreme Court, various High Courts and the Central Information Commission, the judgment reiterated that the RTI Act is aimed at providing access to existing records and is not a forum for redressal of grievances or speculative queries. He warned that indiscriminate and repeated practices divert public resources and hinder the functioning of public authorities.

Concluding that the appellant had misused the RTI process, the Commission dismissed all 160 counts, reprimanded him and directed that repeated applications, objections and complaints of similar nature may be dismissed in future to prevent further misuse of the RTI mechanism.