Transparency And Accountability In Judiciary Through RTI
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 25
- 2 min read
Updated: May 3
Sarthak Gupta, LLM, Amity Law School
Dr. Axita Shrivastava, (Ass. Prof. of Amity Law School), Amity University Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
ABSTRACT
The ideal of transparency and accountability in the judiciary has come to the forefront as a key issue in democratic governments, especially amidst rising public pressure for transparency in institutions of power. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, has been revolutionary in enabling access to information from public authorities, including courts. Although the judiciary generally functions with great institutional autonomy, the RTI Act brings in a mechanism whereby the administrative activities, allocation of resources, appointment procedures, case pendency rates, and other non-judicial issues can be examined by the public. This paper examines how RTI functions as an effective tool for promoting transparency and encouraging accountability within the judicial system. It discusses the legal reach of RTI within the judiciary, the opposition and hurdles encountered in its implementation, and the technological advancements facilitating its practical application. Application of RTI to judicial fieldwork—by activists, researchers, and citizens—has resulted in significant disclosures regarding inefficiencies, clandestine practices, and the necessity for structural reforms. Moreover, case laws like the historic Supreme Court ruling placing the Chief Justice's office under RTI reflect its increasing role in redefining institutional boundaries. In spite of some exemptions and restrictions, RTI continues to empower citizens by encouraging democratic oversight and upholding the principle that justice should not only be done but also seen to be done. The interplay between legal systems, citizen participation, and infrastructures of information highlights the developing function of RTI in making the vision of an open and accountable judiciary a reality.
Keywords: Right to Information (RTI), Judiciary, Transparency, Accountability, Judicial Reform, Public Access, Legal Disclosure, Judicial Independence, Case Pendency, Collegium System, Judicial Administration, Digital Courts, Civic Engagement.
