Basic Questions Denied, Public Accountability Sacrificed
The promise of transparency in Indian governance has once again been shaken – this time by the judiciary itself. In response to an RTI filed by Men’s Rights Activist Mr. Shonee Kapoor, the Hon’ble Delhi High Court has refused to share even basic statistical information about complaints filed against judges of Delhi District Courts.
Through his RTI, Mr. Kapoor had asked for only numerical and categorical data, such as:
- The number of complaints filed against judges since 2015.
- The nature of these complaints – professional misconduct, bribery, sexual harassment, incompetence, or others.
- How many complaints led to disciplinary action or punishment?
- How many judges were cleared of charges?
- The nature of action or punishment given to guilty judges.
- Whether any complainant was punished for filing false or frivolous complaints.
These were simple, statistical questions – no personal details of judges were sought. However, in its reply dated 08.08.2025, the High Court categorically denied the request. The court’s reason: “no such data is maintained” and reliance on Section 2(n) and Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005.
This refusal is alarming for two reasons:
- First, it suggests that no proper record of complaints against judges is maintained. If true, this raises doubts about whether any accountability mechanism exists within the judiciary.
- Second, if records are indeed maintained but not shared, it indicates a lack of willingness to be transparent with the public.
Both possibilities are deeply troubling for a system that depends on public trust.
Mr. Kapoor strongly criticised the High Court’s stand, calling it a “flimsy excuse to escape transparency.” He said that citizens are entitled to know whether judges, who deliver justice every day, are themselves subject to any action when complaints are raised against them.
The judiciary often reminds citizens that “justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.” But by hiding even basic numbers on complaints, the system is doing the exact opposite – creating an image of secrecy and shielding itself from scrutiny.
If justice is truly fair, why fear sunlight? Why hide the truth from the very people in whose name justice is delivered?
