RTI activist challenges Habibullah's appointment

Wajahat Habibullah’s appointment as the first chief information commissioner (CIC) of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) hit a roadblock after an RTI activist challenged the state government’s decision in high court. The government filed a caveat requesting the court to give it a chance to be heard before issuing any interim order.

“Under the RTI Act, only people residing in J&K are entitled to get information. How can a non-resident [person] become CIC when he has no right to get information? How can he seek information from departments when he has no right to do it?” asked Raj Dev Sharma, the activist.

Ali Mohammad Sagar, state law minister, said, “You can’t stop people from challenging [something]. But it will not have any impact. Wajahat Habibullah is an honest man and has served J&K in various capacities.”

“Under RTI, there is no bar on anyone from becoming CIC. How can you stop people from other states from holding key posts in J&K? We have IAS officers here. Judges, too, are from other states.” he said.