In a significant verdict that strengthens individual privacy rights, the Karnataka High Court has delivered a clear message: your passport details are private information and cannot be compelled for disclosure under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Privacy Trumps Public Disclosure
The court's ruling came while addressing a case where an applicant sought passport information of another individual through RTI. The bench firmly stated that such personal details fall outside the scope of public information and are protected by privacy considerations.
"Passport details constitute personal information," the court emphasized, adding that "they cannot be disclosed under the RTI Act" as they don't serve any public interest in routine circumstances.
International Obligations Cited
The judgment highlighted that India's obligations under international passport treaties and conventions also play a crucial role in protecting such sensitive information. The court noted that passport data isn't merely domestic information but involves international commitments that mandate confidentiality.
What This Means for RTI Applicants
- Passport numbers, issue dates, and personal details remain protected
- RTI cannot be used to access another individual's travel documents
- Only exceptional public interest cases might warrant disclosure
- Privacy rights get precedence over information requests
A Boost for Digital Privacy
This ruling comes at a crucial time when digital privacy concerns are growing globally. The court's position reinforces that certain personal documents deserve heightened protection, even under transparency laws like RTI.
The judgment sets an important precedent for how Indian courts balance the right to information with individual privacy rights, particularly concerning sensitive travel and identity documents.
