Role of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Promoting Good Governance in India

Abstract

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 represents a landmark reform in India’s democratic governance framework. Enacted to promote transparency and accountability in public administration, the Act empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities, thereby strengthening participatory democracy. This paper examines the role of the RTI Act in promoting good governance in India by analyzing its objectives, features, and impact on transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures. Through various case studies such as the Commonwealth Games Scam, Adarsh Housing Society Scam, PDS Ration Card Scam, and recent judicial and administrative transparency cases, the study highlights how RTI has emerged as a powerful tool to expose corruption and improve public service delivery. The paper also discusses the challenges in the effective implementation of the Act, including bureaucratic resistance, misuse of exemptions, political interference, backlog in Information Commissions, and threats to RTI activists. Despite these limitations, the RTI Act continues to play a transformative role in strengthening democratic values, ensuring rule of law, and promoting citizen participation in governance. The study concludes that strengthening institutional mechanisms, enhancing digital transparency, and protecting whistleblowers are essential to realizing the full potential of RTI in ensuring good governance in India.