The Supreme Court denied anticipatory bail to an RTI activist accused of obstructing a public road project and assaulting officials.
Supreme Court Declines Relief to RTI Activist
The Supreme Court has refused to grant anticipatory bail to an RTI activist accused of interfering with a government road construction project in Punjab.
A Bench comprising Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Vijay Bishnoi dismissed the plea filed by Rakesh Kumar Behl, who had challenged an earlier Punjab and Haryana High Court order refusing him pre-arrest protection.
During the hearing, the Bench expressed strong reservations about the conduct alleged against the petitioner and declined to interfere with the High Court’s decision.
Court Questions Increasing Trend of RTI-Based Interference
While hearing the matter, the Bench made sharp oral observations regarding certain forms of RTI activism.
Justice Sandeep Mehta remarked that RTI activism had, in some cases, evolved into a “new business” and questioned the petitioner’s involvement in monitoring a public infrastructure project.
The Court indicated that government agencies are responsible for supervising such projects and that private individuals cannot assume the role of regulatory authorities merely by claiming to be activists.
Allegations Relate to Road Construction Project
According to the prosecution, the dispute arose during the execution of a road construction project being carried out under official supervision.
The FIR alleges that the petitioner and another accused reached the construction site and obstructed ongoing work. It is further alleged that they intimidated the supervising official and labourers engaged in the project.Investigators have also accused the petitioner of physically assaulting the complainant during the incident.
FIR Includes Serious Criminal Allegations
The case registered against the accused includes allegations of obstructing public servants from performing their duties, criminal intimidation, assault and offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The prosecution has alleged that caste-based remarks were made against labourers present at the site, leading to the inclusion of provisions under the special legislation.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
High Court Had Earlier Refused Bail
Before approaching the Supreme Court, the petitioner had sought anticipatory bail from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The High Court declined relief after observing that the allegations in the FIR disclosed specific acts attributed to the accused and suggested direct involvement in obstructing government work.
Relying on these findings, the Supreme Court found no reason to grant pre-arrest protection.
Supreme Court Dismisses Petition
After hearing the parties, the Bench refused to grant anticipatory bail and dismissed the petition.
The Court’s observations during the hearing reflected its view that public infrastructure projects should not be disrupted by individuals lacking any official supervisory authority.
With the dismissal of the petition, the criminal proceedings against the accused will continue in accordance with law.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court denied anticipatory bail to RTI activist Rakesh Kumar Behl.
- The case relates to alleged obstruction of a government road construction project.
- The petitioner is accused of assaulting officials and intimidating workers.
- The FIR also contains allegations under the SC/ST Act.
- Punjab and Haryana High Court had previously refused bail.
- Supreme Court declined to interfere with the High Court’s order.
Case Details
Case Title: Ramesh Kumar Behl v. State of Punjab
Case Number: SLP (Crl.) No. 10257 of 2026 (Diary No. 32358 of 2026)
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Vijay Bishnoi
