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Andhra Pradesh Information Commission bars RTI activist for ‘misuse’, orders record seizure
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Image for representational purposes only. | Delivering a 20-page common order on Friday (June 19, 2026), Chief Information Commissioner Vajja Srinivasa Rao dismissed 39 second appeals and complaints filed by Mr. Jayachandra Reddy, who represented the Legal Aid Welfare Society (LAWS), holding that the RTI Act confers the right to seek information only on individual citizens and not on legal entities such as societies or associations.The Commission also directed the District Collector of Tirupati to immediately seize records allegedly maintained by Mr. Jayachandra Reddy relating to complainants V. Lalitha Devi, B. Chandraiah and other members of the public, citing larger public interest.The order further said all pending RTI applications, first appeals and second appeals filed by Mr. Jayachandra Reddy would stand closed, and directed the Commission’s registry to circulate the order to all government departments, district collectors, superintendents of police, public information officers and appellate authorities across Andhra Pradesh.The Commission said Mr. Jayachandra Reddy had filed RTI applications under the banner of the Legal Aid Welfare Society, represented by its president and advocate, making the applications legally untenable. Referring to Section 3 of the RTI Act, the Commission said only a “citizen” can seek information, while a society or any other juristic person cannot claim that status.The order cited several judgments of the Supreme Court, High Courts and the Central Information Commission, to show the distinction between a legal person and a citizen.The Commission further said the appellant had repeatedly invoked the “life and liberty” provision under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act to seek information within 48 hours without demonstrating any imminent threat to life or personal liberty.According to the order, public authorities complained that Mr. Jayachandra Reddy had filed numerous RTI applications seeking extensive records, often concerning personal grievances rather than matters of larger public interest. Officials also alleged that he repeatedly submitted similar applications, appeals and complaints despite having already received responses.The Commission described several applications as speculative, repetitive and aimed at pressuring public authorities. It also took exception to language in some appeals warning officials of penalties and disciplinary action for non-compliance, terming such statements as intimidating.The order referred to two complaints received against Mr. Jayachandra Reddy. In one case, a woman alleged that he collected ₹1 crore for obtaining property-related records through RTI but failed to provide the documents or return the money. In another complaint, a man alleged that Mr. Jayachandra Reddy collected ₹20,000 to file an RTI application but did not submit it.Calling these allegations serious, the Commission said the RTI Act could not be allowed to become a tool for harassment, private litigation or financial gain. It held that repetitive applications could constitute valid grounds for refusal and cautioned public authorities against being burdened with frivolous and voluminous requests.“Entertaining such appeals could no longer serve the objectives of the RTI Act,” the Commission said while dismissing all 39 cases. Published - June 22, 2026 10:53 am IST
Work of artist Bhaskara Rao Botcha who will be in Visakhapatnam for a visual arts workshop and public art auction. | The event will commence with an interactive workshop for FLO members, during which Bhaskara will share insights into his artistic journey, creative process and the inspirations behind his works. The initiative is part of FLO’s efforts to provide enriching learning experiences and foster a deeper appreciation of art.A public art auction, open to art collectors, enthusiasts, corporates and the general public, will follow the workshop. The auction will feature a curated selection of original artworks by the artist, offering a rare opportunity to acquire works by a painter whose creations have been exhibited across India and internationally in Taiwan, Dubai, Singapore, Germany, the Netherlands and Russia.According to FICCI FLO Vijayawada chairperson Supriya Mallineni and senior vice-chairperson Hema Yadavalli the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to exposing members to diverse forms of learning and creativity while creating opportunities for the wider community to engage with artists of national and international acclaim. Work of artist Bhaskara Rao Botcha who will be in Visakhapatnam for a visual arts workshop and public art auction. | With a career spanning over two decades, he has held several solo exhibitions, participated in international showcases and artist residencies, and received a Junior Fellowship from the Government of India.His paintings, noted for their rich textures, colours and symbolic imagery, reflect a deep connection with Nature and lived experiences and form part of private collections in India and abroad.The visual arts workshop and public art auction will be held at Oyster Hall, Waltair Club, on June 20 from 6.30pm. Published - June 20, 2026 07:52 am IST
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