Karnataka HC directs State government to formulate policy for accurate content management on govt. websites

Karnataka HC orders state to create a policy ensuring accurate, current content on government websites to enhance public trust.

As an “old and outdated information lacking statutory backing” retained by the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) on its website had lead to confusion over status of a facility, the High Court of Karnataka has directed the State government to formulate a comprehensive policy to ensure that all contents on official websites is accurate, current and consistent with the law.

“Public authorities must recognise that any representation made on an official website carries weight and authority. Even if such material does not have statutory force, it influences public conduct. Inconsistent or outdated information can undermine public confidence and give rise to allegations of arbitrariness or unfairness,” the court observed.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued the directions while dismissing a petition filed in 2016 by Jain International Residential School raising certain disputes over correctness of levy of water charges.

The petitioner-school had also claimed concession in charges under classification as ‘educational institution’ relying on customer charter document upload on the BWSSB’s official website in this regard. However, the BWSSB had told the court that the it was “an outdated guidance document uploaded in 2005 without statutory force” and the court said that petitioner could not get benefit from non-statutory backed information uploaded on the website.

Meanwhile, the court also directed the BWSSB to regularly review contents on its website, ensure accuracy of contents and remove or correct any outdated or misleading material without delay.

With regard to dispute over computation of pro-rata water and sanitary charges, the court allowed the petitioner to file appeal before the statutory authorities as per the provisions of BWSSB Act, 1964, within sixty days while asking authorities to decide the appeal as per the law.