THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS ABOUT IT

Abstract

RTI (Right to Information) was introduced for empowering the citizens to question the Government and its working in different Government sectors and in different Government activities. Any citizen is able to request for information which does not threaten the internal security and integrity of our country. So we can say that Right to Information is a right which is given to the citizens of our country to question and hold the government accountable for its functions and activities. The RTI Act 2005 helps the citizens of our country in exercising this right. We find that in the present days this Act is widely used by the citizens and the media to uncover corruption and malpractices. The Right to Information (RTI) is an act of the Parliament of India which describes the rules and regulations and procedures regarding citizens' right to information in India. The former Freedom of Information Act 2002 is replaced by it. According to the provisions of RTI Act, any citizen of India may request information from a "public authority" (a body of Government or "instrumentality of State") which is required to reply expeditiously or within thirty days. In case of matter which is involving a petitioner's life and liberty, the information has to be provided within 48 hours. The Act also imposes penalties if it is found that the authorities are doing delay without proper reasons in responding to the citizen within the stipulated time. So we can say that the Right to Information helps in keeping transparency and accountability in the working of the Government of our country.