Summary: Adarsh Pimpare's request for GST information on six industries was denied by the court, citing privacy concerns and lack of public interest.
Adarsh Pimpare, a 35-year-old from Udgir, filed a request against the State of Maharashtra and others. He wanted GST information from 2008 to 2023 for six industries in Latur, claiming it was public information.
Adarsh applied under the Right to Information Act, but his request was turned down. The Assistant State Tax Commissioner and the First Appellate Officer both denied his appeals, saying they couldn't provide the information without permission from the industries involved.
"The firms did not agree to share information with someone outside."
Adarsh argued that the GST returns weren't private and should be shared for public interest. He claimed the industries manipulated documents to commit fraud.
"The GST returns are public documents and not secret information."
However, the court found no proof of fraud and stated that the information was protected under the RTI Act's privacy rules.
The court mentioned Sections 8 and 11 of the RTI Act, which protect third-party information unless there is a good reason for sharing it. They also referred to Section 158 of the GST Act, which limits sharing GST details.
"GST ACT being a special law... would take priority over the RTI Act."
Judge Arun R. Pedneker dismissed the request, stating there was no significant public interest to justify sharing the GST information.
"No case is made out under the exception to Section 8 (1) (j) to provide information."
Adarsh's attempt to get transparency was blocked by the law, highlighting the balance between privacy and public interest in sharing information.
