Landmark Judgements on RTI Act, 2005

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011)

• In this case, the Supreme Court of India affirmed the significance of the RTI Act in promoting transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities.
• The Court ruled that examination answer sheets fall under the definition of “information” as per the RTI Act and can be disclosed to applicants.
• This judgment upheld the principle of transparency in education and empowered students and parents to access their answer sheets for scrutiny and verification.

Union of India vs. Namit Sharma (2013)

• In this landmark judgment, the Supreme Court reiterated the importance of the RTI Act as a tool for promoting transparency and accountability in government functioning.
• The court held that information relating to assets and liabilities of Supreme Court judges, as declared by them to the Chief Justice of India, is subject to disclosure under the RTI Act.
• This judgment emphasized the principle that no institution or authority, including the judiciary, is exempt from the provisions of the RTI Act, highlighting its crucial role in upholding democratic values and accountability.

The Right to Information Act 2005, also known as the RTI Act, was a significant step in India’s governance. It started with the Freedom of Information Act in 2002, but that wasn’t put into action. Then in 2005, after some changes recommended by the National Advisory Council, the RTI Act was passed. This law helps people know what the government is up to. It came into effect in October 2005. The RTI Act has been crucial in making democracy work better by making the government more transparent and accountable. It’s like a tool that lets citizens ask questions about how the government operates. This way, people can keep an eye on what’s happening and hold the government responsible for its actions. The RTI Act has given power to the people, making them active participants in democracy. The updated law, named the Right to Information Act, 2005, was approved by the Lok Sabha on May 11, 2005, and by the Rajya Sabha on May 12, 2005. The President of India then signed it on June 15, 2005, and it became effective on October 12, 2005.

Key Takeaways

• The RTI Act passed in 2005, transformed governance in India by fostering transparency and accountability within the government.
• It evolved from the earlier Freedom of Information Act, 2002, and was strengthened based on recommendations from the National Advisory Council.
• Effective from October 2005, the RTI Act empowers citizens to inquire about governmental activities, enhancing their role in democracy.
• The Act signifies a shift towards participatory democracy, granting citizens the authority to monitor government actions and hold officials accountable for their decisions.