Short Notes (100 words each)

a.State Information Commission:

The State Information Commission (SIC) is an
independent statutory body at the state level,
tasked with ensuring the effective
implementation of the Right to Information Act.
It acts as the final appellate authority for citizens
seeking information from state public authorities.
The SIC comprises a State Chief Information
Commissioner and other State Information
Commissioners, all appointed by the Governor.
Beyond hearing appeals, the SIC also has the
power to investigate complaints related to denial
of information, delays in providing information, or
malafide intent in furnishing information. It can
impose penalties on PIOs for non-compliance with
the Act and plays a crucial role in promoting
transparency and accountability within the state
government. The SIC’s independent functioning
is vital for upholding citizens’ right to information
and strengthening democratic processes at the
state level.
b.Good governance and RTI:
RTI is an indispensable instrument for achieving
good governance. By empowering citizens with
access to information about government
operations, RTI fosters transparency,
accountability, and active citizen participation in
the democratic process. It acts as a powerful
check against corruption, maladministration, and
misuse of public resources. When citizens are
well-informed, they can make informed choices,
hold elected officials and public servants
accountable for their actions, and contribute to
more effective and responsive governance. RTI
also facilitates better policy-making by ensuring
that decisions are based on sound information
and are subject to public scrutiny. Furthermore, it
promotes a culture of openness and
responsiveness within government institutions,
leading to improved service delivery and greater
public trust. In essence, RTI empowers citizens to
become active participants in governance, rather
than passive recipients of government services,
thereby strengthening the foundations of a
healthy democracy.
c. Third-party information:
Third-party information refers to information
relating to a person or entity other than the
applicant and the public authority. The RTI Act
addresses the disclosure of such information,
balancing the right to information with the right
to privacy. Generally, information relating to a
third party cannot be disclosed without their
consent. However, there are exceptions. If the
public interest in disclosure outweighs the
potential harm to the third party’s privacy, and if
the information is accessible to the public
authority under any other law, it may be
disclosed. Before disclosing such information,
the PIO is usually required to give the third party
an opportunity to present their views. This
provision ensures a fair balance between
transparency and the protection of individual
privacy.
d.Rule of Severability:
The rule of severability, as applied to the RTI Act,
allows for the separation of exempt information
from non-exempt information within a document.
If a document contains some information that is
exempt from disclosure under Section 8 of the
Act, and other information that is not exempt, the
PIO is obligated to disclose the non-exempt
information after severing (removing) the exempt
portions. This principle ensures that maximum
information is disclosed while respecting the legal
exemptions. It reinforces the principle that
access to information is the rule, and exemptions
are the exception. The rule of severability
promotes transparency by maximizing the
amount of information available to citizens.
e.Bar of Jurisdiction of Courts:
The RTI Act contains a provision that bars the
jurisdiction of courts to entertain suits,
applications, or other proceedings in respect of
any matter to which the Act applies. This means
that citizens seeking information under the RTI
Act must follow the procedures laid down in the
Act itself, including filing appeals with the First
Appellate Authority and the Information
Commission. They cannot directly approach the
courts for relief. This provision streamlines the
process for obtaining information and ensures
that RTI-related matters are handled by the
specialized bodies established under the Act.
However, the bar of jurisdiction does not prevent
judicial review of the actions of the Information
Commission or other authorities under the Act
through writ petitions.

Q1. What is Information and the Right to

Information?
Information broadly refers to any material that
can be used to understand or make sense of
something. It can take various forms, including
documents, records, emails, files, data, opinions,
advice, and even samples of materials. In the
context of the Right to Information (RTI) Act,
information specifically refers to any material
held by or under the control of a public authority.
This includes information relating to the
functioning of the government, its policies,
decisions, and actions.
The Right to Information is a fundamental right
that empowers citizens to seek and access
information from public authorities. It is based on
the principle that in a democracy, citizens have
the right to know how the government is
functioning and how public resources are being
used. This right is enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) of
the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the
right to freedom of speech and expression, and
the Supreme Court has recognized that this right
includes the right to information.
The RTI Act, 2005 gives legal backing to this
fundamental right by providing a practical
framework for citizens to exercise it. It sets out
the procedures for requesting information, the
obligations of public authorities to provide
information, and the mechanisms for enforcing
this right. The RTI Act is a powerful tool for
promoting transparency and accountability in
government, empowering citizens to participate
in the democratic process, and combating
corruption.
Q2.What is the objective of the Right to
Information Act?
The Right to Information Act, enacted in 2005, is
a powerful tool that aims to empower citizens
and promote transparency and accountability in
the working of the government. Here’s a
breakdown of its key objectives:
1. Empowering Citizens: The RTI Act recognizes
that informed citizens are better equipped to
participate in the democratic process. By
providing access to information, it enables
citizens to make informed decisions, hold public
authorities accountable, and contribute to good
governance.
2. Promoting Transparency and Accountability:
The Act mandates public authorities to
proactively disclose information about their
functioning, policies, and decisions. This fosters
transparency by making government operations
open to public scrutiny. It also promotes
accountability by making public officials
answerable for their actions and decisions.
3. Containing Corruption: Corruption thrives in
secrecy. By providing access to information, the
RTI Act helps expose corruption and malpractices
in government. It empowers citizens and
journalists to investigate and uncover
wrongdoing, thereby acting as a deterrent
against corruption.
4. Making Democracy Work for the People: The
RTI Act is a crucial step towards making
democracy more participatory and responsive to
the needs of the people. By enabling citizens to
access information and hold the government
accountable, it ensures that the government
functions in the best interests of its citizens.
5. Fostering Good Governance: The RTI Act
promotes good governance by encouraging
public authorities to be more efficient, effective,
and citizen-centric. When public officials know
that their actions are subject to public scrutiny,
they are more likely to act responsibly and
ethically.
In conclusion, the Right to Information Act is a
landmark legislation that has the potential to
transform governance and empower citizens. By
promoting transparency, accountability, and
citizen participation, it strengthens the
foundations of democracy and helps create a
more just and equitable society.
Q3.What is a Public Authority, and what are their
obligations?
A Public Authority, as defined under the Right to
Information Act, 2005, encompasses a wide
range of governmental and quasi-governmental
bodies. It includes any authority or body or
institution of self-government established or
constituted:
* By or under the Constitution of India
* By any other law made by the Parliament or a
State Legislature
* By notification issued or order made by the
Central Government or a State Government
Additionally, it also includes bodies owned,
controlled, or substantially financed by the
Central Government or a State Government, and
non-Government organizations substantially
financed, directly or indirectly, by funds provided
by the appropriate Government.
Public Authorities have several obligations under
the RTI Act to ensure transparency and
accountability. These obligations primarily
revolve around proactively disseminating
information and facilitating access to information
for citizens. Some key obligations include:
* Maintaining and publishing information: Public
authorities are required to maintain all their
records properly and publish information
proactively, such as their organization’s
structure, functions, duties, rules, regulations,
and other relevant information.
 * Designating Public Information Officers (PIOs):
They must designate PIOs to provide information
to citizens who request it under the RTI Act.
* Responding to RTI applications: PIOs are
obligated to respond to RTI applications within 30
days, providing the requested information or
denying the request with valid reasons as per the
Act’s provisions.
* Establishing appellate authorities: Public
authorities must establish appellate authorities to
hear appeals against the decisions of PIOs.
* Training and awareness: They should conduct
training programs for their staff on RTI Act
provisions and create public awareness about the
Act and how to access information.
These obligations are crucial for upholding the
spirit of the RTI Act, which aims to empower
citizens, promote transparency and
accountability in the functioning of public
authorities, and ultimately strengthen
democracy.

Q4.Why do we need a specific Act for Right to

Information when it’s in the Constitution?
While the Right to Information is implicitly
guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian
Constitution, which ensures freedom of speech
and expression, including the right to know, a
specific Act like the RTI Act of 2005 was needed
for several reasons:
1. Codification and Clarity: The Constitution
provides a broad framework, but the RTI Act
codifies the right, making it explicit and
enforceable. It lays down detailed procedures for
accessing information, defines the obligations of
public authorities, and establishes mechanisms
for enforcement. This clarity is crucial for both
citizens exercising their right and public
authorities fulfilling their duties.
2. Practical Implementation: The Act provides the
necessary machinery for translating the
constitutional right into a practical reality. It
establishes a system of PIOs, appellate
authorities, and Information Commissions, which
are essential for processing RTI applications,
hearing appeals, and ensuring compliance.
Without these mechanisms, the constitutional
right would remain largely theoretical.
3. Empowerment of Citizens: The RTI Act
empowers citizens by providing them with a legal
tool to demand information from public
authorities. It shifts the balance of power,
enabling citizens to hold the government
accountable and participate more effectively in
the democratic process. This empowerment is
particularly important for marginalized and
vulnerable communities, who can use RTI to
access information about welfare schemes,
development projects, and other matters that
affect their lives.
4. Promotion of Transparency and Accountability:
The Act promotes transparency by requiring
public authorities to proactively disclose
information and respond to citizen requests. This
helps to reduce secrecy and corruption, improve
governance, and build public trust in government
institutions.
5. Evolution of Jurisprudence: The RTI Act has led
to the development of a robust jurisprudence
around the right to information. Through various
court judgments and CIC decisions, the scope of
the right has been expanded, and its
interpretation has been clarified. This evolving
jurisprudence strengthens the right and makes it
more effective in practice.
In conclusion, while the Right to Information is
rooted in the Constitution, the RTI Act provides
the necessary framework, mechanisms, and legal
backing to make it a meaningful and enforceable
right for citizens. It is a crucial tool for promoting
transparency, accountability, and citizen
participation in governance.
Q5.Are Private bodies covered under the RTI Act.
The Right to Information Act, 2005 primarily
focuses on providing access to information held
by public authorities. However, the Act does have
some implications for private bodies in certain
circumstances. Here’s a breakdown:
General Rule:
 Private bodies are not directly covered under
the RTI Act. This means that citizens cannot
directly file an RTI application to a private
entity to seek information about its internal
functioning, financial details, etc.
Exceptions and Indirect Coverage:
* Substantially financed by the government: If a
private body receives substantial funding
(directly or indirectly) from the government, it
falls under the definition of a “public authority”
and is thus subject to the RTI Act. This provision
aims to ensure transparency in the use of public
funds by private entities.
* Information held by public authorities: Even if a
private body is not directly covered, information
related to it might be accessible through an RTI
application filed with a public authority. For
example, if a government department has
information about a contract awarded to a
private company, that information can be sought
through RTI.
* Information accessible under other laws: If
information related to a private body can be
accessed by a public authority under any other
law, that information can be obtained through
RTI. This provision ensures that existing legal
mechanisms for accessing information are not
undermined by the RTI Act.

Q6.Explain the procedure for exercising the Right

to Information.
Exercising the Right to Information under the RTI
Act, 2005 is a relatively simple process. Here’s a
step-by-step guide:
* Identify the Public Authority: Determine which
public authority holds the information you seek.
This could be a government department, a public
institution, or any other body defined as a “public
authority” under the Act.
* Draft the Application: Prepare a written
application. While there’s no prescribed format,
it’s advisable to include the following:
* Your full name and address.
 * A clear and specific description of the
information you require. Be precise and avoid
vague or broad requests.
* The period to which the information relates.
* Your signature or thumb impression.
* Pay the Prescribed Fee: A nominal fee (usually
₹10) is required to file an RTI application. You can
pay this fee through various modes, such as
cash, demand draft, or postal order, depending
on the rules of the specific public authority. Some
authorities also accept online payments. BPL
category citizens are exempt from paying the
fee.
* Submit the Application: Submit your
application to the Public Information Officer (PIO)
of the concerned public authority. You can send it
by post or hand deliver it. Many public authorities
now also accept online RTI applications.
* Acknowledgement: The PIO is obligated to
provide you with an acknowledgement of your
application.
* Response from the PIO: The PIO must respond
to your application within 30 days of receiving it.
The response may include the requested
information, a partial disclosure, or a denial of
information with specific reasons for the denial as
per the exemptions provided under the RTI Act.
 * First Appeal: If you don’t receive a response
within 30 days or are dissatisfied with the
information provided, you can file a first appeal
to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) within 30
days of receiving the response or the expiry of
the 30-day period.
* Second Appeal: If you are not satisfied with the
decision of the FAA, you can file a second appeal
to the Central Information Commission (CIC) or
the State Information Commission (SIC), as
applicable, within 90 days of the decision of the
FAA.
* Information Commission’s Decision: The
CIC/SIC will hear your appeal and pass an order,
which is binding on the public authority.

Q7.What are the duties of Public Authorities in

disseminating information?
Public authorities have a proactive duty to
disseminate information to the public, going
beyond simply responding to RTI applications.
This is a crucial aspect of the RTI Act, aiming to
promote transparency and reduce the need for
citizens to file applications in the first place. Here
are the key duties of public authorities in
disseminating information:
1. Suo Motu Disclosure:
 * Publication of Information: Public authorities
are obligated to publish a wide range of
information suo motu (on their own initiative) at
regular intervals through various means of
communication, including the internet. This
includes:
* Organization’s structure, functions, and duties
* Powers and duties of its officers and
employees
* Rules, regulations, instructions, manuals, and
records used by its employees for discharging
their functions
* Categories of information held by it
* Policy formulation and implementation details
* Budget and expenditure details
* Details of concessions, permits, or
authorizations granted by it
* Information about public projects and
schemes
* And other relevant information
* Accessibility: The information should be easily
accessible to the public, considering factors like
cost-effectiveness, local language, and the most
effective method of communication in the local
area.
2. Maintenance and Computerization of Records:
* Public authorities must maintain their records
properly cataloged and indexed in a manner that
facilitates the right to information.
* They should computerize their records to the
extent possible and connect them through a
network across the country to enable easy
access.
3. Dissemination through Various Means:
* Public authorities should proactively
disseminate information through various
channels, such as:
* Notice boards
* Newspapers
* Public announcements
* Media broadcasts
* Internet
* Any other effective means
4. Policy and Decision Disclosure:
* When formulating important policies or
announcing decisions that affect the public,
public authorities should publish all relevant facts
about such policies and decisions for the
information of the public at large.
5. Training and Awareness:
* Public authorities should conduct training
programs for their staff on RTI Act provisions and
create public awareness about the Act and how
to access information.
6. Continuous Improvement:
* It is the constant endeavor of every public
authority to take steps to provide as much
information suo motu to the public at regular
intervals so that the public has minimum resort
to the use of the RTI Act to obtain information.

Q9.Explain the significance of RTI in a democracy.

The Right to Information (RTI) Act is a powerful
tool that strengthens democracy and promotes
good governance by enhancing the citizen’s
ability to participate in the process.
Here are some of the key points that explain the
significance of RTI in a democracy:
* Empowering citizens: The RTI Act empowers
citizens to question the secrecy and abuse of
power practiced in governance. It makes the
government answerable to its citizens.
* Promoting transparency and accountability:
The RTI Act promotes transparency and
accountability in the working of every public
authority. It helps to reduce corruption and
improve governance.
* Enhancing citizen participation: The RTI Act
provides citizens with a well-established
mechanism and framework to participate in the
working of democracy. It helps to bridge the gap
between the government and the citizens.
* Facilitating informed decision-making: The RTI
Act provides citizens with access to information
that they can use to make informed decisions
about their lives and their communities.
* Strengthening democracy: The RTI Act is a
crucial pillar for the functioning of a transparent
and vibrant democracy. It helps to ensure that
the government is working in the best interests
of its citizens.
In conclusion, the RTI Act is a powerful tool that
can be used to promote transparency,
accountability, and good governance. It is an
essential part of any democratic society.
Q10.What is voluntary disclosure, and what are
the obligations of public authorities?
Voluntary disclosure refers to the practice of
public authorities proactively publishing
information about their operations, policies, and
decisions, even without a formal request from the
public. It’s about going beyond the minimum
requirements of the Right to Information (RTI) Act
and making information readily accessible to
citizens.
Here’s a breakdown of its significance and the
obligations it places on public authorities:
Significance of Voluntary Disclosure:
* Promotes Transparency: It enhances
transparency by making information readily
available, fostering trust in public institutions.
* Reduces RTI Requests: Proactive disclosure can
reduce the need for citizens to file formal RTI
requests, saving time and resources for both the
public and authorities.
* Empowers Citizens: It empowers citizens with
easy access to information, enabling them to
engage more effectively in public discourse and
decision-making.
* Improves Public Participation: When
information is readily available, citizens can
participate more meaningfully in governance
processes.
* Strengthens Accountability: Voluntary
disclosure promotes accountability by making it
easier for the public to scrutinize the actions of
public authorities.
Obligations of Public Authorities:
* Proactive Publication: Public authorities should
proactively publish a wide range of information,
including:
* Organizational structure and functions
* Budget and expenditure details
* Policies and procedures
* Decision-making processes
* Details of schemes and projects
* Contact information of officials
* Accessibility: Information should be easily
accessible to the public, ideally through user-
friendly websites and other accessible formats.
* Timeliness: Information should be updated
regularly to ensure its accuracy and relevance.
* Clarity and Simplicity: Information should be
presented in a clear and simple language that is
easy for the public to understand.
 * Grievance Redressal: Public authorities should
establish mechanisms for citizens to provide
feedback and raise concerns regarding the
information disclosed.

Q11.Are there any statutory exemptions under

the RTI Act?
Yes, the RTI Act does have certain exemptions.
These are outlined in Section 8 of the Act, which
lists categories of information that are exempt
from disclosure. The idea behind these
exemptions is to balance the need for
transparency with other important public
interests.
Here are some of the key categories of
information that are exempt under Section 8 of
the RTI Act:
* Information that could affect the sovereignty
and integrity of India, security, strategic,
scientific or economic interests of the State,
relations with foreign State or lead to incitement
of an offence: This broadly covers information
that could harm national security or international
relations.
* Information which has been expressly
forbidden to be published by any Court of Law or
Tribunal or the disclosure of which may constitute
contempt of court: This ensures that the RTI Act
doesn’t override court orders or undermine the
judiciary.
* Information the disclosure of which would
cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the
State Legislature: This protects the confidentiality
of parliamentary proceedings.
* Information including commercial confidence,
trade secrets or intellectual property, the
disclosure of which would harm the competitive
position of a third party: This aims to protect
business interests and encourage innovation.
* Information in fiduciary relationship: This
covers information shared in confidence, like
between a lawyer and client, or a doctor and
patient.
* Information received in confidence from a
foreign Government: This protects diplomatic
channels and sensitive information shared by
other countries.
* Information the disclosure of which would
endanger the life or physical safety of any
person: This is a crucial exemption to protect
individuals from harm.
* Information which would impede the process of
investigation or prosecution of offences: This
ensures that ongoing investigations are not
compromised.
* Cabinet papers, including records of
deliberations of the Council of Ministers,
Secretaries and other officers: This protects the
decision-making process within the government.
However, once a decision is made, the reasons
for the decision and the materials used to make it
should be disclosed.
* Information which relates to personal
information the disclosure of which has no
relationship to any public activity or interest, or
which would cause unwarranted invasion of the
privacy of the individual: This protects personal
privacy.

Q12.Discuss the grounds for removing an

Information Commissioner.
The removal of an Information Commissioner is a
serious matter and is governed by specific
procedures to ensure fairness and protect the
independence of the office. Here are the grounds
for removing an Information Commissioner under
the RTI Act:
1. Proved Misbehavior or Incapacity:
 * This is the primary ground for removal. It
implies that the Information Commissioner has
acted in a way that is considered unethical,
corrupt, or has demonstrated an inability to
perform their duties effectively.
* The removal process involves an inquiry by the
Supreme Court. The President (for the Central
Information Commission) or the Governor (for a
State Information Commission) refers the matter
to the Supreme Court for investigation. If the
Supreme Court, after inquiry, reports that the
Commissioner ought to be removed on such
ground, then the President/Governor can remove
them.
2. Other Grounds for Removal (Without Supreme
Court Inquiry):
* Insolvency: If the Information Commissioner is
declared an insolvent (unable to pay debts), they
can be removed.
* Conviction of an Offence: If the Commissioner
is convicted of an offense that, in the opinion of
the President/Governor, involves moral turpitude
(a serious offense involving dishonesty or
immoral behavior), they can be removed.
* Engaging in Paid Employment: If the
Commissioner engages in any paid employment
outside the duties of their office during their
term, they can be removed.
* Unfitness: If the Commissioner is, in the
opinion of the President/Governor, unfit to
continue in office due to infirmity of mind or body
(mental or physical incapacity), they can be
removed.
Important Points:
* Safeguards: The process for removing an
Information Commissioner is designed to be
rigorous and fair. The involvement of the
Supreme Court in cases of alleged misbehavior or
incapacity provides an important safeguard
against arbitrary removal.
* Independence: These provisions aim to ensure
the independence of Information Commissioners
and protect them from undue influence.
* Transparency: The grounds for removal are
clearly defined in the RTI Act, promoting
transparency and accountability.

Q13.What are the changes introduced by the

2019 Amendment Act?
The Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019
introduced some significant changes to the
original RTI Act of 2005. Here’s a breakdown of
the key amendments:
1. Tenure of Information Commissioners:
* Previous: The original Act fixed the term of the
Central Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)
and Information Commissioners (IC) at five years.
* Amended: The 2019 Amendment empowers
the Central Government to determine the tenure
of the CIC and ICs. This means the government
now has the authority to decide how long these
officials serve, potentially impacting their
independence.
2. Salaries and Allowances:
* Previous: The salaries and allowances of the
CIC and ICs were equivalent to those of the Chief
Election Commissioner and Election
Commissioners, respectively, ensuring parity and
independence.
* Amended: The 2019 Amendment gives the
Central Government the power to prescribe the
salaries, allowances, and other terms of service
for the CIC and ICs. This change has raised
concerns about the potential for government
influence over these positions.
3. Deductions in Salary:
 * Previous: The Act specified that if a CIC or IC
was receiving a pension or other retirement
benefits from previous government service, their
salary would be reduced by an equivalent
amount.
* Amended: The 2019 Amendment removes
these provisions related to salary deductions.
Concerns and Criticisms:
These amendments have been met with criticism
from activists and transparency advocates who
argue that they weaken the RTI Act and
undermine the independence of Information
Commissioners. The changes are seen as giving
the government more control over the
functioning of the RTI mechanism, potentially
hindering its effectiveness in holding public
authorities accountable.
In summary, the 2019 Amendment Act has
altered the terms and conditions of service for
Information Commissioners, shifting the power to
determine their tenure, salaries, and allowances
to the Central Government. These changes have
sparked debate about their impact on the
autonomy and efficacy of the RTI Act.

Q14.Discuss the provisions for Appeal under the

RTI Act.
The Right to Information Act, 2005 provides a
robust mechanism for appeals to ensure
transparency and accountability in the
functioning of public authorities. If an information
seeker is not satisfied with the response received
from a Public Information Officer (PIO) or if they
do not receive a response within the stipulated
time, they have the option to file an appeal.
Here’s a breakdown of the appeal process under
the RTI Act:
First Appeal:
* Who to file: The first appeal is made to an
Appellate Authority, who is an officer senior in
rank to the PIO of the concerned public authority.
* Time limit: The appeal must be filed within 30
days from the date of receipt of the information
or within 30 days from the expiry of the time limit
for providing the information.
* Process: The Appellate Authority is expected to
dispose of the appeal within 30 days of its
receipt. In exceptional cases, they may take up to
45 days, but they need to record the reasons for
the delay in writing.
Second Appeal:
* Who to file: If the appellant is not satisfied with
the decision of the first Appellate Authority or if
no decision is received within the prescribed
time, they can file a second appeal.
* Where to file: The second appeal is made to
the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the
State Information Commission (SIC), depending
on whether the public authority falls under the
Central or State jurisdiction.
* Time limit: The second appeal must be filed
within 90 days from the date on which the
decision of the first Appellate Authority was
received or within 90 days from the expiry of the
time limit for the first appeal.
* Condonation of delay: The CIC or SIC may
admit the appeal even after the expiry of the 90-
day period if they are satisfied that the appellant
was prevented by sufficient cause from filing the
appeal in time.

Q15.What is the difference between Right to

Information and Right to Privacy?

Both the Right to Information (RTI) and the Right

to Privacy are important rights, but they serve
different purposes:
Right to Information (RTI)
 * Focus: Empowers citizens to access
information held by public authorities. It
promotes transparency and accountability in the
functioning of the government.
* Purpose: Allows individuals to scrutinize
government actions, understand decision-making
processes, and hold public officials accountable.
* Limitations: RTI laws often have exemptions to
protect sensitive information related to national
security, privacy, etc.
Right to Privacy
* Focus: Protects an individual’s personal
information and prevents unwarranted intrusion
into their private life.
* Purpose: Safeguards personal data,
communications, and other private matters from
unauthorized access or disclosure.
* Limitations: The right to privacy is not
absolute and can be subject to reasonable
restrictions in the interest of public safety,
national security, etc.
Key Differences
* Scope: RTI is about accessing information held
by public bodies, while the Right to Privacy is
about protecting personal information.
 * Beneficiary: RTI benefits citizens by making
government more transparent, while the Right to
Privacy primarily protects individuals.
* Tension: There can be tension between the two
rights, as disclosing certain information under RTI
might infringe on an individual’s privacy.