Q1. Discuss in detail the meaning and evolution of the right to information (RTI).
- RTI is citizen's fundamental right to access government information, derived from Article 19(1)(a).
- It promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance by enabling public scrutiny.
- Sweden's Freedom of the Press Act (1766) is the world's first access to information law.
- Indian Supreme Court established 'right to know' as integral to fundamental rights (e.g., Raj Narain, 1975).
Answer: The Right to Information (RTI) is a fundamental democratic principle that empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities. It marks a significant shift from a regime of governmental secrecy to one of transparency, crucial for fostering accountability and good governance. ### Meaning of Right to Information At its core, the Right to Information grants every citizen the legal right to request and receive information from public bodies. This encompasses a wide array of data, in...