Archive · 18 Jan 2026
CIC Bars Advocates from Using RTI for Client Cases
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has said that lawyers cannot use the Right to Information (RTI) Act to get details about cases they are handling for their clients.
The CIC made this decision in a case where a lawyer was asking for information about a contract that was ended.
The CIC said that the lawyer was trying to get information for his client, which is not allowed.
The CIC also said that the RTI Act should not be used for personal reasons, like helping a lawyer's practice.
The CIC agreed with a previous court order that said lawyers should not use the RTI Act to get information for their clients.
The CIC also noted that some records were destroyed in a fire and that personal information was rightly not given under RTI rules.
The appeal was dismissed, but the CIC told the public authority to share copies of written submissions with the lawyer.
CIC ruled that advocates cannot use RTI to seek details about cases they handle for clients.
The case involved a dispute over the termination of a fruits-and-vegetables supply contract at a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Haryana.
The CIC noted that the advocate sought information on behalf of his brother, who was a supplier.
The CIC quoted a Madras High Court order stating that advocates cannot seek information relating to cases instituted by them on behalf of their clients.
The CIC stressed that the RTI Act should not be used for personal ends or to promote an advocate's practice.
- Who
- Central Information Commission (CIC) and an advocate
- What
- Ruling that advocates cannot use RTI for clients' cases
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Haryana
- Why
- To prevent misuse of the RTI Act for personal ends
- Act
- Right to Information (RTI) Act
- Applicant
- An advocate
- Issue
- Termination of a fruits-and-vegetables supply contract
- Location
- Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Haryana
- Decision
- Advocates cannot seek RTI for clients' cases
- Reason
- Does not advance the objectives of the RTI Act
- Court Reference
- Madras High Court order
- Commission
- Central Information Commission (CIC)
