Right to Request for Official Documents

Last updated on Aug 23, 2022

Unquestionably, the right to freedom of expression involves the right to receive information and public documents from government authorities and other organisations performing a public function. This covers asking for one’s examination answer scripts, 1 to matters covered under official secrecy laws if sufficient public benefit and interest can be shown in such matters.2 However, this right cannot override the right to privacy; for instance, personal information of public officials which is not relevant to the public cannot be sought under this right. 3

  1. Central Board of Secondary Education v. Bandhopadhyay, (2011) 8 SCC 497[]
  2. Yashwant Sinha v. Central Bureau of Investigation, (2019) 6 SCC 1[]
  3.  R.K. Jain v. Union of India and Another, (2013) 14 SCC 794[]

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