Interference in government work is not appropriate: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India has observed that functioning as an RTI (Right to Information) activist is increasingly turning into a business. The remarks came while denying anticipatory bail to an RTI activist and his associates in a case involving alleged obstruction and assault on a government official supervising road construction work.

A bench comprising Justices Sandeep Mehta and Vijay Bishnoi questioned the authority of the petitioners to inspect or interfere in public road construction works. The court stated that such monitoring is the responsibility of government authorities funded by the Centre, not self-styled activists seeking attention.

The judges further remarked whether the petitioners were trying to create sensation under the guise of RTI activism. However, the petitioners’ counsel argued that false cases were filed against them for raising concerns about alleged corruption in road construction projects.