Right To Information - A Key To Good Governance

Nazuk Sood, Assistant Professor of Law, RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh

ABSTRACT

Right to Information is the cornerstone of any democratic country. This right is essential for the smooth functioning of the country. Right to Information is an integral part of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. Right to Information Act, 2005 is a powerful weapon in the hands of a common man to tackle the corruption and to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. Almost 15 years have been passed since the passing of Right to Information Act, 2005 but the position still has not changed much. India lacks in the successful implementation of the Right to Information Act due to many factors such as poor governance, misuse of the information and lack of legislative measures for the protection of whistleblowers. The recent amendments to the Right to Information Act have made the Act toothless tiger. This paper discusses the importance of the right to information through constitutional framework and judicial approach in India. This paper also focuses on the significance and impact of right to information in a democratic country. Also the researcher has tried to find some lacuna in the Act which hinders the successful implementation of the Act.

Keywords: Right to Information, Corruption, Transparency, Accountability, Protection to Whistleblowers etc.