A CRITICAL STUDY ON RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2005

AUTHOR – HARISUDHAN  N & JAIADITHYA K, TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNVERSITY (TNDALU), SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW (SOEL).

BEST CITATION – HARISUDHAN  N & JAIADITHYA K, A CRITICAL STUDY ON RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2005, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 4 (3) OF 2024, PG. 189-193, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

Right to Information Act of 2005 in place of Freedom of Information. An important legislation for Indians in promoting transparency and accountability in the working of public authorities. This confers the right to information upon Indian citizens except there would be the afore said exemptions under Section 8. The Act requires that a response to the application be given within 30 days, urgent matters are responded to expedited. Although the Act has played a role in improving transparencies, curbing corruption, and adding power to the people, it still poses problems like exploitation of information, increased bureaucratic workload, and impacts on decision-making. Issues such as poor record-keeping, insufficient staffing of information commissions, and the misuse of information further hinder its effective implementation. The article discusses these issues, provides case studies, and proposes suggestions for improvement, such as simplifying the application process, ensuring proactive disclosure, strengthening information commissions, and raising public awareness. Addressing these challenges is crucial for maximising the RTI Act’s effectiveness in fostering a transparent and accountable governance system.

Keywords: Right to Information Act, transparency, accountability, public authorities, exemptions, bureaucratic challenges, information commissions, case studies, legislative reforms.