Access or Abuse of Right to Information: A Study on the Effectiveness and Misuse of the RTI Mechanism
Author : S.A. Prathishta
Abstract :
This study examines the Right to Information from the dual perspectives of access and abuse, seeking to determine whether the existing framework successfully balances transparency with the legitimate protection of public administration. This research adopts a combination of doctrinal and non-doctrinal methodologies. The doctrinal component examines the constitutional foundation, statutory provisions, judicial decisions and institutional mechanisms governing the right to information. The non-doctrinal component focuses on the practical functioning of the RTI mechanism through empirical data relating to public awareness, accessibility, delays, rejection of applications and perceptions regarding misuse. The study further analyses the distinction between legitimate exercise of the right and its potential abuse. It seeks to identify the barriers faced by citizens in obtaining information while also examining the challenges faced by public authorities in dealing with potentially abusive applications. The study ultimately proposes measures to strengthen access to information while preventing genuine instances of misuse, thereby ensuring that RTI remains an effective instrument of transparency, accountability and good governance.
Keywords :
Right to Information, RTI Act, Transparency, Accountability, Access to information, Abuse of RTI, Good Governance.
