RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT: A OVERVIEW
Updated: Sep 14, 2020
Right to Information Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information. It is an initiative taken by Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions to provide a– RTI Portal Gateway to the citizens for quick search of information on the details of first Appellate Authorities,PIOs etc. amongst others, besides access to RTI related information / disclosures published on the web by various Public Authorities under the government of India as well as the State Governments. This right is also an index of growth of human rights and liberties in their vital palpitations, spontaneously flowing from the democratic credentials of the Country. the Supreme Court of India has held in several cases that the right to information is implicit in the constitutionally enshrined Right to Life and Liberty in Article 21 supported by the Right to Constitutional Remedies in Article 32 which provides the right to approach the Supreme Court and High Court in case of any of these rights.
This law provides us a priceless opportunity to redesign the processes of governance, particularly at the grass roots level where the citizens’ interface is maximum. As observed by Delhi High Court that misuse of the RTI Act has to be appropriately dealt with; otherwise the public would lose faith and confidence in this "sunshine Act".
Written By: Ms.Vasudha Goel, Final Year Student, B.Com (LLB), Mody University, Rajasthan, Legal Intern with S. Bhambri & Associates (Advocates), Delhi