CHRI calls for overhaul of Draft Rules in India to strengthen RTI

In a submission sent to the Department of Personnel and Training, CHRI has rejected the proposal to allow for the automatic abatement of appeals on the death of the appellant. CHRI has argued that the withdrawal and abatement clauses will only embolden vested interests to threaten and even seriously harm citizens from exposing corruption and maladministration, using RTI. CHRI has recommended several improvements in the Draft RTI Rules in order to strengthen the regime of transparency established by the RTI Act in 2005. 

CHRI has urged the DoPT to extend the consultation process for a further period of 30 days so that more citizens may send their views on the Draft RTI Rules. CHRI has suggested that the Draft Rules be translated into all languages recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution in order to expand the outreach of this process. CHRI has urged the DoPT to not rush through the consultation process as the RTI Rules concern the citizens’ fundamental right to seek and obtain information from public authorities. 

Click here for CHRI's submission: PDF 

Click here for CHRI's Press Note