RTI Cannot be Used to Access Spouse’s Financial Records in Private Disputes: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court held that a husband’s income tax returns cannot be disclosed to his wife under the Right to Information Act in matrimonial disputes, terming them “personal information.”

The Court set aside a Central Information Commission order that had directed disclosure of the husband’s income details. It observed that such disclosure would amount to an unwarranted invasion of privacy and is protected under the exemption for personal information.

The Court further clarified that matrimonial disputes are private in nature and do not qualify as “larger public interest.”

It added that financial disclosures can instead be sought through appropriate legal proceedings.

[Kapil Agarwal v. CPIO Income Tax Officer Moradabad & Anr.]