Delhi HC petition demands public access to CAG reports before Assembly Elections

A petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking directives to ensure Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports are made publicly accessible ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

The petitioner, Brij Mohan, a retired Senior Administrative Grade officer of the Indian Audit & Accounts Department (IA&AD), urged the Central Government, Lt. Governor, and the CAG to publish these reports on government portals, enabling voters to assess Delhi’s financial health.

Citing Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, the plea argued that withholding CAG reports violates the electorate’s fundamental “right to know” and termed it a “fraud on the Constitution.” It emphasised the CAG's pivotal role in ensuring transparency and accountability, especially during elections.

The Delhi High Court has sought clarification from the CAG, questioning why these reports cannot be released before being tabled in the assembly. The petitioner further argued that even if the assembly session is not convened, the reports should still be accessible to voters to support informed decision-making.

The petition highlighted the importance of transparency in upholding democratic values, stating that any delay in releasing the reports undermines the electorate’s right to information and the constitutional mandate.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 24.

In a separate plea by LoP Vijender Gupta and six BJP MLAs, the High Court earlier criticised the Delhi government over delays in presenting CAG reports, calling the situation “unfortunate.”