Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court recently directed an RTI activist and self-proclaimed social worker to deposit ₹10 lakh as a security deposit before proceeding with his writ petition.The HC stated that the case falls within the ambit of its Public Interest Litigation Rules, 2010, because it seeks to espouse a public cause rather than enforce the petitioner’s own fundamental rights.A Division Bench of Justices YG Khobragade and SM Ghodeswar passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Shekhar Janbandhu, president of the National Human Rights Resources Development. Ashwin Ingole represented the petitioner, while Mohit Khajanchi and RD Dandwate held brief for the respondents.Janbandhu sought directions to the First Appellate Authority and Deputy Chief Engineer (Administration) at the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station to comply with a 2015 Bombay High Court judgement by registering an FIR against the Public Information Officer. He also sought implementation of a Sept 12, 2024, order of the State Information Commissioner directing disclosure of information under the Right to Information Act, 2005.According to the petition, the information relates to the payment of honorarium, remuneration and stipend to trainees associated with the electricity department and concerns persons affected by public projects.The court noted that notices were issued to the respondents on Nov 12, 2025, but the matter was repeatedly adjourned thereafter.“Admittedly, the petitioner is espousing the cause for the public at large. However, there is no averment in the petition that fundamental rights of the petitioner are violated,” the court observed.The bench held that the petition squarely falls within Clauses (d) and (e) of Rule 4 of the Bombay High Court Public Interest Litigation Rules, 2010. Referring to Rule 7A, the judges noted that the court may, in its discretion, direct a petitioner to furnish a security deposit in matters falling under those provisions.“Considering the cause, the petitioner is directed to deposit an amount of ₹10 lakh in this court, to ascertain his bona fides for espousing cause to the public at large,” the bench said.The petitioner has been directed to deposit the amount on or before July 20, after which the matter will be taken up on July 27. The court also ordered that the petition be de-tagged from other connected matters.
