Telangana HC Upholds Free RTI Rights for Economically Weaker Citizens

BPL Citizens Can Get Free RTI Information

The Telangana High Court confirmed that Below Poverty Line (BPL) citizens can request information under the RTI Act, 2005, without paying any fees. The ruling came on September 3, 2025, from a petition by Gadipally Ganesh, a law student from Mahabubabad.

Ganesh asked for details about the Indiramma Indlu housing scheme beneficiaries in his village. The Public Information Officer (PIO) demanded a fee of ₹6,171 for printing. Ganesh appealed to the First Appellate Authority and the Telangana Information Commission, but both denied relief. He then approached the High Court.

Court Upholds RTI Statutory Rights

Justice T. Madhavi Devi highlighted that Section 7(5) of the RTI Act allows BPL applicants to receive information free of cost. She ruled that state orders, including GO 454 of 2005, cannot override this law.

“Charging fees to BPL applicants violates the RTI Act,” the court said.

The court ordered the PIO to provide the requested information immediately and without charge, ensuring transparent governance for all citizens.

About Indiramma Indlu Housing Scheme

The Indiramma Indlu housing scheme, launched by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy in March 2024, offers permanent housing and financial aid to low-income families. Beneficiaries get a 100% subsidy for construction. This initiative helps economically weaker families improve living conditions.

Key Takeaways

• BPL citizens are legally entitled to free RTI access.

• State orders cannot override central law.

• Transparency in schemes like Indiramma Indlu ensures fair benefit distribution.

• Court rulings strengthen citizens’ rights and accountability.