Muthu Meena K, VIT School of Law, Chennai
Devika Solaman, VIT School of Law, Chennai
Dr. Saji Sivan S, Associate Professor, VIT School of Law, Chennai
ABSTRACT
“In a government of responsibility like ours, where all the agents of the public must be responsible for their conduct, there can be but few secrets. The people of this country have a right to know every public act, everything that is done in a public way, by their public functionaries.”
– Justice K.K. Mathew
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is a cornerstone of transparency and accountability in Indian governance, empowering citizens to access government-held information. This paper critically examines the role of RTI in enhancing governmental and judicial accountability, reducing corruption, and promoting democratic participation. The research employs legal analysis, case studies, and comparative studies of RTI laws globally to evaluate the Act’s effectiveness in ensuring transparency. Judicial interpretations have reinforced the principle that transparency is a fundamental right, though challenges persist in the form of bureaucratic resistance, delayed responses, and threats to RTI activists. The study highlights the tension between transparency and judicial independence, particularly in the disclosure of decision-making processes and judicial appointments. While RTI strengthens governance, concerns over excessive disclosure affecting judicial impartiality remain unresolved. Furthermore, the paper explores international frameworks supporting the right to information, including global human rights declarations and governance principles, positioning RTI as a key element of democratic accountability. Comparative legal analysis reveals how other jurisdictions balance transparency with national security and privacy concerns. Despite its successes, RTI’s implementation faces significant hurdles, including misuse of legal exemptions, institutional reluctance, and inadequate whistleblower protection. This study proposes reforms such as stricter enforcement of penalties for non-compliance, expansion of proactive disclosures, and integration of digital governance mechanisms to streamline RTI applications and also underscores the need for continuous evolution of the RTI framework to maintain its effectiveness in fostering transparent and accountable governance.
Keywords: Right to Information, Transparency, Accountability, Judiciary, Corruption and Democracy.
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