Bombay High Court Holds GST Return Data Confidential, Not Disclosable Under RTI

The Bombay High Court has ruled that a company’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) return information is confidential and cannot be disclosed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The Court emphasised that such financial data is protected under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, which shields personal information and trade secrets. 

The Court noted that disclosure could harm the company’s competitive position and violate privacy norms.

The Court held that sensitive commercial information, including GST filings, remains exempt from public disclosure to protect proprietary interests and ensure the confidentiality of business operations.

[Adarsh Gautam Pimpare v State of Maharashtra]