RTI Act strengthens people’s voice in democracy, says Keralam Information Commissioner

State Information Commissioner T.K. Ramakrishnan addressing a seminar on Right to Information Act for officials at Malappuram on November 12, 2026. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

The Right to Information (RTI) Act strengthens democracy by ensuring people’s right to access information and plays a key role in curbing corruption, State Information Commissioner T.K. Ramakrishnan said here on Thursday (November 12, 2026).

He was inaugurating a seminar on ‘Everything you need to know about the right to information’ at the Municipal Town Hall here.

Mr. Ramakrishnan said the Supreme Court had, through several judgments, recognised the right to information as part of the fundamental right even before the RTI Act came into force.

People’s movement

He traced the origins of the law to the people’s movement led by farmers and workers in Devdungri village in Rajasthan. The protest demanded access to official records and recognition of people’s right to know.

The campaign led by Aruna Roy and the efforts of organisations such as the National Campaign for People’s Right to Information helped build support for the legislation. Following these movements, Parliament passed the RTI Act in 2005.

He said the RTI Act was a people’s law and government officials had a responsibility to implement it effectively. However, the law would not be allowed to be misused, he added.

He also clarified that the 30-day period allowed for providing information should not be treated as a mandatory waiting period. Authorities should provide the information as early as possible, he said.

The right to question those in power is the strength of democracy, Mr. Ramakrishnan said. He added that the right, once largely limited to elected representatives, had been extended to ordinary citizens through the RTI Act.

District Collector Vinay Goyal presided over the function. Resourceperson K. Prasad answered questions from participants. Additional District Magistrate P.O. Sadiq and programme coordinator S. Suresh Kumar were among those who spoke. Around 800 officials from various government departments attended the seminar.

Published - November 13, 2026 07:00 am IST