Role Of Media In The Implementation Of The Right To Information Act Of 2005

Anshika, BA.LL.B.(H), Amity Law School, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow.

ABSTRACT

In a democracy, the mass media is the primary means of communication, knowledge acquisition, and information exchange. They are ubiquitous, have a big impact on how societies are shaped, and offer the public forum for discussion and information that promotes social and cultural dialogue, engagement, and accountability. Of all the laws passed by the Indian Parliament, the Right to Information Act, 2005 is one of the most notable. It went into full effect on October 12, 2005. The Act makes it possible to set up a hitherto unheard-of system of information rights for the nation's residents. Additionally, the Press Council declared that the Right to Information Act is essential for the media. The right to information will be a powerful instrument to check the unrestrained goings-on in the public sphere, encourage accountability, and inspire media and society at large to ask more questions about the condition of affairs. By raising awareness and strengthening capacity through the right to information, the media serves as a conduit between the general public and governmental authorities. The judiciary has interpreted the social dimension of the right to information by acknowledging that press freedom is fundamental to political and social discourse and plays a significant role in the process of social transformation. This paper shall discuss the contribution of the mass media in enacting the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Keywords: Media, Information, Right to Information (RTI), Accountability, Society.