SC to hear petitions against RTI amendment on Feb 16

The Supreme Court of India is set to hear multiple petitions on February 16, 2024, contesting recent amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act that were enacted through the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. These amendments have raised concerns among transparency advocates and civil society groups, as they are perceived to potentially undermine the foundational principles of the RTI Act. Critics argue that the changes could limit citizens' access to information and weaken accountability mechanisms in governance. The hearing comes at a crucial time, as the RTI Act has been a vital tool for promoting transparency and empowering citizens since its enactment in 2005. The outcome of the Supreme Court's deliberation will be closely watched, as it may have significant implications for the future of information rights in India, particularly in the context of digital privacy and data protection. Stakeholders from various sectors are anticipating the Court's stance on this matter, which could either uphold the integrity of the RTI framework or pave the way for further restrictions on information access.