Ruhs: Rajasthan High Court Ruling on Processing Fees
Rajasthan High Court Ruling on RUHS Processing Fees
The Rajasthan High Court has made a significant ruling regarding the processing fees imposed by the Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) for applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The Court determined that universities cannot impose additional charges for providing certified copies of answer sheets, a decision that directly impacts students seeking transparency in their evaluations.
In a case titled D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 13783/2021, Vipika, a B.Sc. Nursing student, challenged the ₹1000 processing fee demanded by RUHS for access to her evaluated answer books. The total amount demanded by the University for each answer book was ₹1225, which included this processing fee. The Court emphasized that such fees discourage students from exercising their right to information, contradicting the objectives of the RTI Act.
The Court quashed the ₹1000 processing fee and directed RUHS to adhere strictly to the fee structure prescribed under the RTI Rules. According to the RTI Act, the application fee is set at ₹10, with an additional cost of ₹2 per page for copies of documents. Given that each answer book typically contains around 40 pages, the total photocopy charges would amount to ₹80, plus ₹145 for postal charges, significantly lower than the amount initially demanded by the University.
Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Sandeep Shah, who presided over the case, referred to several Supreme Court decisions that recognize the right of examinees to access their evaluated answer sheets under the RTI Act. They reiterated that the RTI Act holds an overriding effect over any other law or regulation, reinforcing the importance of transparency in educational institutions.
The Court also quashed the University’s guidelines from September 6, 2012, and the Board of Management’s decision from December 20, 2014, which had established the controversial processing fee. This ruling is expected to set a precedent for other universities in Rajasthan and across India regarding the handling of RTI applications.
As a result of this ruling, RUHS is now required to provide information requested under the RTI Act by charging only the fees specified in the RTI Rules. This decision is seen as a victory for students advocating for their rights to access information about their academic evaluations.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how RUHS will implement this ruling in the future, but it is anticipated that the University will revise its fee structure to comply with the Court’s directives. The outcome of this case highlights the ongoing dialogue about student rights and the importance of transparency in educational institutions.
