A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION IN INDIA: CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES AND REFORM

AUTHOR – N.C. POORNAMATHI & S. GOWSALYA

LLM STUDENTS AT LABOUR LAW AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW, THE TAMIL NADU DR.AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – N.C. POORNAMATHI & S. GOWSALYA, A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION IN INDIA: CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES AND REFORM, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (12) OF 2025, PG. 401-406, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

       The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) marked a watershed moment in India’s democratic journey. It aimed to empower citizens by providing them access to information held by public authorities, thereby enhancing transparency, accountability, and good governance. This article critically analyzes the issues and challenges in the implementation of the RTI Act, highlighting its evolution, judicial interpretation, and role in promoting participatory democracy. Landmark judgments of the Supreme Court and Central Information Commission are reviewed to demonstrate the scope of RTI as a facet of the fundamental right to free speech. Challenges such as poor awareness, bureaucratic resistance, misuse of provisions, and lack of protection for whistleblowers are evaluated. 

       The article also examines the RTI Amendment Bill, 2019 and its implications on the independence of information commissions. Comparative insights from global information laws are also briefly presented. The study concludes that while RTI has empowered citizens and exposed corruption, significant reforms are required to strengthen its implementation, safeguard applicants, and ensure its effectiveness as a tool for good governance.

KEYWORDS: Right to Information, Judicial Control, Transparency, Good Governance, Constitutional Law