India’s Right To Information Movement Makes A Breakthrough. Information is not a gift, graciously bestowed by India’s leaders – it is no less than every person’s human right. The Right to Information bill proposes to promote transparency and accountability in the working of all public authority.
According to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, that the Bill was more far-reaching and effective than the existing Freedom of Information Act. A new era which will eliminate corruption, bring the common man's concerns to the heart of all processes of governance and truly fulfill the hopes of our founding fathers," Dr. Singh said.
The Government believes that the proposed legislation will provide an effective framework for effecting the right of information recognized under Article 19 of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court of India has recognized the right to information as a constitutionally protected fundamental right, established under Article 19 (right to freedom of speech and expression) and Article 21 (right to life) of the Constitution (Constitution of India, 1950).
The Court has recognized the right to access information from government departments is fundamental to democracy. Activists at the grassroots have famously relied upon the right to demonstrate that access to information is also essential to ensuring effective participatory development.
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