Learn how the Right To Information Act empowers citizens, boosts transparency, and ensures accountability in governance. Explore its key features and challenges.
theIASHub | 15 May, 2025 | 407
The Right To Information is a powerful democratic tool that empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities. Described by Thomas Jefferson as the “currency of democracy”, the Right To Information ensures transparency, encourages accountability, and promotes participatory governance. It is a critical part of good governance, enabling citizens to question, challenge, and monitor the functioning of the government.
The Right To Information is acknowledged internationally under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the right to seek, receive, and impart information.
In India, the Right To Information is considered an integral part of Article 19(1)(a) — the freedom of speech and expression. This was upheld in the Raj Narayan vs State of Uttar Pradesh (1976) case. Later, the RTI Act, 2005 gave it legal backing, setting up a structured mechanism to access information from public authorities.
The Right To Information Act covers various forms of records—files, emails, documents, memos, reports, models, and data in electronic format.
Public authorities must maintain records in a structured manner and computerize records for easier dissemination.
The RTI Act overrides the Official Secrets Act, and authorities can be penalized for delays or wrongful denial of information.
Section 8 details exemptions like national security, foreign relations, and personal privacy. Still, most exempt information must be disclosed after 20 years, with a few exceptions.
The Right To Information has revolutionized governance by fostering openness, citizen participation, and accountability. Applications rose by 85% between 2012-13 and 2018-19.
The CIC Annual Report 2020-21 shows RTI rejection rate fell to 4%, the lowest since inception.
Examples of RTI success:
The RTI Amendment Act, 2019 allows the Centre to decide tenure and salary of Information Commissioners, undermining their independence. It violates federalism and concentrates power within the executive—reducing public trust in the Right To Information framework.
The Right To Information is one of India’s most empowering laws. It strengthens democracy by giving ordinary citizens the power to question authority. However, to maintain its integrity, the law must evolve, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and protection for its users. Strengthening the Right To Information is not just a legal requirement but a democratic necessity.
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