RTI : A CHECK ON CORRUPTION AND A SYMBOL OF JUSTICE DELIVERY IN THE MODERN DEMOCRATIC ERA

Abstract

In our Judicial and justice delivery system, if something has revolutionized and completely changed the perspective of common people towards the ability and capability of Indian Judiciary system to dispense and deliver justice after Public Interest Litigations in the recent decades, then it has to be Right to Information Act and the accessibility and ease of the filing an RTI. Right from revealing India’s National Sport to be Hockey, asking for validity of picture of Mahatma Gandhi on Indian currency to questioning use of black and white election symbols on electronic voting machines, Right to Information has emerged as a savior and rather a tool to ensure that justice prevails in the society. The vigilant and leading role played by Right to Information in revealing and bringing into limelight some major scams of all time like Adarsh Housing Society scam, 2G scam, Commonwealth scam, Red Cross Society scam etc. is not unknown to anyone. At extreme local like Village Panchayat, it won’t be an exaggeration to state that Right to Information has come up as a weapon to combat exploitative, baseless and corrupt practices prevailing at administrative and other departmental levels. Once the access and awareness regarding the Right to Information successfully reaches till the extreme remote and backward areas of the country, a complete developed nation won’t be a mere dream any longer. Thus, the Right to Information Act, 2005, which provides power to any individual of the country to enquire regarding various matters, is one of the highlighting success stories of Indian Judicial and Justice Delivery system in the recent decade. With even better enforcement of the Right to Information Act, 2005 and ensuring the practical reach of the tool to the remotest areas of the country, RTI can emerge as an even bigger beneficiary and boom to our democracy.