Title: Right to information: a cornerstone of good governance in India

Authors: A. Archana; M. Sarojanamma

Addresses: Department of Law, School of Law, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi, Chennai, India ' Department of Law, School of Law, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi, Chennai, India

Abstract: The Right to Information (RTI) Act has emerged as a critical pillar of good governance in India, empowering citizens to access information and hold public authorities accountable. The RTI Act provides Indian citizens with the means to exercise their democratic rights and access information held by public authorities. Through this act, citizens have been empowered to seek and receive information, thereby bridging the gap between the government and the governed. By providing citizens with the right to scrutinise government actions and decisions, the act acts as a deterrent against arbitrary exercises of power and misuse of public resources. Public officials are now held more accountable for their actions, leading to improved efficiency and reduced instances of corruption within the system. Additionally, the RTI Act has played a crucial role in curbing corruption within public institutions.

Keywords: Right to Information; RTI; good governance; transparency; accountability; citizen engagement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPLAP.2025.145319

International Journal of Public Law and Policy, 2025 Vol.11 No.2, pp.232 - 244

Received: 19 Aug 2023
Accepted: 11 Oct 2023
Published online: 31 Mar 2025 *

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