P. Ishwarya, BA.LLB., The Central Law College, Salem
ABSTRACT
To promote openness in an administration the Sweden government introduced a new concept i.e right to information in 1774. After years other countries also knew the importance of the concept and adopted it in their nations. In India, the first step to implement this concept was taken by Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan in the year 1994. Finally, in 2005 the parliament adopted this idea and enacted it as legislation in the name of the Right to Information Act 2005 to promote transparency and accountability in the working of public officials. The apex court recognized this concept as a fundamental right under Art 19 in various Judgements. Subject to restriction one can access information under this act. The information officers and other commissioners are also appointed to perform the given functions. For the convenience of the people, filing procedures are also made very simple. An aggrieved party may file an appeal within the period prescribed by the act. The universal declaration of human rights recognized this right as a human right. The right to information is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. An ancient text the Rigveda and Bible also discussed the concept right to information.
