What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, enacted in 2005, was a landmark legislation aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the effectiveness and future of this crucial law. The Supreme Court’s recent observations highlight the systemic issues plaguing the RTI Act, which threaten to undermine its very purpose.
The RTI Act was designed to empower citizens by providing them with the right to access information held by public authorities. This transparency is essential for holding the government accountable and ensuring that public resources are used efficiently. Over the years, the RTI Act has been instrumental in exposing corruption, inefficiencies, and human rights violations. It has enabled citizens to question the government and demand answers, thereby strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation.
However, the implementation of the RTI Act has been far from perfect. The Supreme Court’s recent remarks underscore the chronic delays in appointing Information Commissioners, which have rendered many Information Commissions defunct. The Central Information Commission (CIC) alone has eight vacancies, with a staggering 23,000 pending appeals. This backlog not only delays justice but also discourages citizens from seeking information, as the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming.
The appointment process itself has been criticized for its lack of transparency and inclusivity. The Supreme Court has pointed out that the commissions are often overloaded with candidates from a bureaucratic background, sidelining individuals from diverse walks of life. This homogeneity in appointments can lead to a lack of impartiality and a reluctance to enforce the law stringently.
Moreover, the government’s attempts to amend the RTI Act have raised alarms among activists and citizens alike. Amendments that dilute the powers of Information Commissioners or exclude certain entities from the ambit of the RTI Act can significantly weaken the law’s effectiveness. The recent legislative changes, including provisions in the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023, have further eroded the RTI Act’s potency.
The Supreme Court’s intervention is a timely reminder of the need to uphold the spirit of the RTI Act. The government must take immediate steps to fill the vacancies in Information Commissions and ensure that appointments are made transparently and inclusively. Additionally, there should be a concerted effort to raise awareness about the RTI Act and its benefits, especially among marginalized communities.
