Public Information Officer Not Bound to Investigate Under RTI Act: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court held that a Public Information Officer (PIO) is not legally obligated to investigate matters while processing RTI applications under Section 7 of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

The ruling came in a case where a college principal faced action for allegedly failing to verify a student's certificates while serving as the PIO. 

The Court clarified that a PIO’s role is limited to supplying existing information, not verifying or investigating it.

In the absence of a specific forgery complaint, no fault could be found. The Court also ordered confirmation of the principal’s appointment, citing due process.