On March 21, over 30 organizations comprising social workers and lawyers gathered to protest against proposed amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act at the Press Club of India in Delhi.
It has been 20 years since Indian citizens were granted the Right to Information (RTI), but now amendments are being considered that could significantly alter its effectiveness.
These amendments are being introduced under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act), which was enacted in 2023, and the process of implementing its associated rules is now underway.
The proposed new rules would eliminate existing exceptions under the RTI Act. Currently personal information under the RTI Act can be denied only if it is unrelated to any public activity or constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy. But now any personal inmformation can be banned. This change has drawn criticism from lawyers and social workers alike.
Any information can be withheld: Prashant Bhushan
Prominent lawyer Prashant Bhushan expressed his concerns, stating, "Previously, there was a restriction on providing only that information which had no relevance to social activities, but now a complete ban has been imposed. Any information can be withheld. This means no information will be disclosed even regarding corruption."
RTI activist Anjali Bhardwaj labeled these amendments as fatal. She said, "Every year, 60 lakh RTIs are filed in our country. People seek information on issues ranging from ration to pension. With these amendments, will be deprived of their right to ask questions, which poses a big threat to democracy."
Prakash Kumar Pandey
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