dear members
i think this is the best thread to post my views.
it is disturbing to note that the PM of all people is thinking of amending the RTI act just few years after its passing.
i heard that madam soniaji is opposed to any amendment. according to leads from mr.subhash chandra agarwal, a leading RTI activist, she was the one responsible for passing the act.
it appears that CJI wants his office to be kept out of the purview of the act. that's why the supreme court appealed to the delhi high court. i do not know whether they will appeal to supreme court itself against the full bench decision.
i think the judiciary cannot have any blanket exemption from RTI act. the courts cannot be equated with CBI, BSF etc. they do not investigate into any crimes etc. in fact, the activities of the courts should be totally transparent.
at best exemption can be given to cases where orders are yet to be passed on any matter before any court. once an order is made public, the citizen would have every right to have information about it. but not before passing of the orders. similarly, exemption can be given for information on appointment to higher judicial posts. already a similar exemption has been given to cabinet deliberations. once an appointment is made, the information has to be shared with the public.
similarly, the rejection of frivolous complaints or appeals - this is a matter which is a prerogative of the information commissions. the commissions are already rejecting many such complaints or appeals as frivolous and unnecessary, there is no need for any amendment on that ground.
on the other hand, no right should be given to the PIO or the AA to reject any application for information on the ground that it is frivolous. otherwise, the whole purpose of the act will be lost.
i also heard that the information commissioners of the country are opposed to any such amendments.
what does the forum think on the crucial issue? i have already e mailed the PM requesting him not to move to amend the act.