President Droupadi Murmu’s intervention sought for citizens and activists to participate in RTI Act celebrations

The Mahiti Hakku Adhyayana Kendra, Bengaluru, has written to President Droupadi Murmu opposing the Karnataka Information Commission’s (KIC) move to prevent citizens and RTI activists from participating in the 20th anniversary celebrations of the RTI Act conducted by it on October 14, at Yavanika in Bengaluru.

In a letter to the president on October 12, B.H. Veeresha, a trustee of the Mahiti Hakku Adhyayana Kendra, objected to the prevention of citizens from participating in the 20th anniversary of the RTI Act by the KIC. He said, “The 20th anniversary is not merely an official function but a symbolic occasion to reflect on the progress made and the challenges ahead in realising the objectives of the Act.”

“Denying citizens – who are the primary stakeholders – the opportunity to take part in this event runs contrary to the ethos and spirit of the RTI law,” he said.

‘Arbitrary move, undermines public trust’

He termed “arbitrary” the prevention of citizens and RTI activists from attending the function and said it “raises questions about the commitment to transparency and inclusivity”. “Such exclusion undermines public trust and diminishes the participatory nature of governance envisioned by both the Constitution of India and the RTI framework,” said Mr. Veeresha, who is also an RTI activist.

Mr. Veeresha urged the President “to direct the concerned authorities to clarify the reasons for this restriction,” and said, “As the constitutional head of our country, you (President) will act to protect citizens’ rights and uphold the democratic values our country cherishes.”