RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND THE FREEDOM OF PRESS: THE COMPLEMENTING AND INEVITABLE MEDIUMS

Abstract

It goes without saying that an informed and updated citizen is better equipped to keep necessary vigil on the instruments of governance and make the government more accountable to the governed. And information is any material in any form, including records, press release, e- mails, etc, therefore Right to Information Act was formulated to empower people’s fundamental right to information. And the best way of being informed and updated is through press and the strength and importance of media in a democracy is well recognized in article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which gives freedom of speech and expression and includes within its ambit, freedom of press. The existence of a free, independent and powerful media is the cornerstone of a democracy. 

The purpose of the following research is to give a descriptive analysis of, why freedom of press is important to keep us informed. The research gives an answer to our questions: 

1. Why right to information is important and because of which the government was compelled to pass Right to Information Act, the present position of the act 
2. The history and evolution of press in India, its inevitable place in our lives; which led to the inclusion of art. 19 (1) (a) in the Constitution of India; did this article really help; and 
3. How Freedom of Press and Right to Information complement each other; they keep public informed about not only government but also other institutions, organizations and individuals by which they are or are likely to be affected. 

Till now, the research has led us to the conclusion that, informed citizens shall keep the institutions and individuals under pressure to perform proficiently, effectively for larger benefit and ensure transparency in the system and this can happen only if the press of our country is free.