Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019: A Mockery on the Autonomy of Administration

Abstract

Baron Acton’s thought: “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is suitable in the context of the RTI Amendment Act, 2019 because of the absolute discretionary power conferred to the CG. There are four basic tenets of good governance- “accountability, transparency, public participation, and predictability” associated with the government. We can imagine public participation only when information is easily available to the public concerning the affairs of the government. RTI Act encourages responsibility and transparency in the affairs of all organs of government which makes the government more answerable. Prior to the RTI Act, 2005 the administrative authorities had the discretionary authority under the “Official Secrets Act, 1923” not to provide adequate information to the public which ultimately resulted in maladministration, bribery, and misuse of power. The RTI Act came into existence in the year 2005 and it is one of the most historical legislations which created a milestone in the legal history of India. The objective of the Act was to give a sense of empowerment to the citizens: bring “transparency and accountability” to the affairs of government. It was a major move to make the citizens well informed about the affairs of the government.