The Right to Information Act, 2005 has been diluted by the recent amendments and undermined the authority of information commissioners. Critically analyze.

Right to information act 2005 is the cornerstone of right to information under article 21, to the common citizens of India. It has assured and era of transparency and accountability in the Indian administrative system.

Recent amendment:

Under the recent amendments, the powers, conditions of service, terms of appointment and jurisdiction of the information commissioners will be decided by the government. The government in power can change it according to their will.

Amendment will weaken the act:

• Against the spirit of separation of powers as most of the RTI are filed against the government.
• The provision of independence of information commissioners has been diluted.
• Government can now appoint its own representatives.

Undermine the authority of information commissioners:

• Fear of action or removal against any action against the ruling government and political party.
• Authority of information commissioners to question the public servants and bureaucrats will be undermined.
• It will hamper the decision making process of the information commissioner.
• It will pave the way for the politicisation of the information commission.

RTI is a fundamental right under article 21 (Raj Narain case). Thus, the recent amendment does not augur well for the independence of the information commission and thus it needs to be relooked.

Topics: GS-II: Salient Features Significant Provisions of Constitution • GS-II: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States