Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Pleas Challenging RTI Act Amendments Under Data Protection Law
The Supreme Court has asked the Union government to submit its response to a series of petitions challenging amendments introduced to the Right to Information (RTI) Act via the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.
What Happened
A Supreme Court Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana heard arguments regarding the validity of legislative changes to the transparency law. During the proceedings, the bench heard submissions from senior advocate Vrinda Grover and advocate Prashant Bhushan. Following the arguments, the court directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, to file the government’s formal response to the petitions.
Key Highlights
- Court Bench: The matter was heard by Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana.
- Legal Representation: Senior advocate Vrinda Grover and advocate Prashant Bhushan made submissions for the petitioners, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the Union government.
- Targeted Provision: The petitions specifically challenge the amendment made to Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, which addresses exemptions concerning the disclosure of personal information.
- Core Argument: Petitioners argue that the recent changes weaken public transparency by eliminating the public interest safeguard previously available for the disclosure of personal details.
Why This Matters
The petitions focus on the balance between personal information protection and public transparency. According to the petitioners, the amendment to Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act removes the public interest provision that allowed the disclosure of personal information in relevant circumstances, thereby diluting transparency standards established under the original access-to-information regime.
What to Watch Next
The Union government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, is expected to file its response addressing the concerns and legal challenges raised against the amended RTI provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the petitions challenging before the Supreme Court?
The petitions challenge the amendments made to the RTI Act through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, specifically focusing on the changes made to Section 8(1)(j).
What is Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act?
Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act pertains to exemptions from disclosing personal information under the transparency law.
What is the main concern raised by the petitioners?
The petitioners submit that the statutory modifications dilute overall transparency by taking away the public interest safeguard that previously governed personal information disclosures.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.