DPDP Act does not ‘dilute’ RTI Act, A-G says in opinion
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Constitution, amendments & basic structure· Mains·
Why in news
Attorney-General R. Venkataramani stated that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 does not diminish the Right to Information Act, 2005, despite concerns from civil society regarding transparency.
Background
The Attorney-General argued that Section 8(2) of the RTI Act allows disclosure of personal information if public interest outweighs harm. The Union government maintains the DPDP Act provides a framework to balance privacy and transparency.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillRight to Information Act: enacted in 2005
- Act / BillDigital Personal Data Protection Act: enacted in 2023
- FactSection 8(2) of RTI Act: allows disclosure of personal info when public interest outweighs harm
For Mains
Q. Examine the tension between the Right to Information and the Right to Privacy in the context of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Constitutional conflict: Balancing Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech/Information) against Article 21 (Right to Privacy)
- Regulatory ambiguity: Potential for government bodies to use data protection as a shield against public scrutiny
- Legislative friction: Removal of partial exemptions for government bodies under the RTI framework
Keywords: Right to Information · Right to Privacy · Transparency · Data Protection · Public Interest · Legislative Balance
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