The Future of the RTI Act: Will It Withstand Legal Challenges?
What is the Issue?
The Right to Information (RTI) Act is under scrutiny due to proposed changes in the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) of 2023. Critics argue that Section 44(3) weakens the RTI Act by limiting public access to essential government information.
Key Concerns
-
Amendment Impact: Section 44(3) broadens the scope for denying information, potentially allowing public authorities to reject RTI requests under privacy claims.
-
Public Backlash: Civil society organizations and political leaders, including Jairam Ramesh, warn that these changes threaten transparency and public accountability.
What Happens Next?
As the RTI Act nears its 20th anniversary in 2025, the debate over these legal amendments continues to grow. The outcome of this issue will significantly affect citizens' rights to access information and government transparency.
