Srikrishna panel's predominance of privacy over RTI raises eyebrows

The report examined the RTI Act, specifically Section 8(1)(j), which deals with unwarranted invasion of privacy and allows for requests for information to be denied if they breach it

The fears that the Justice Srikrishna panel report would give importance to individual privacy over the fundamental right to information and disturb the RTI (Right to Information) framework do not seem to have been allayed.

The report on data protection, along with a draft privacy bill, was submitted to the government on Friday, and seeks to strengthen India’s data protection laws and provide for individuals’ right to privacy.

However, there were concerns about the report’s recommendation of amending the RTI Act. Activists say it could dilute the RTI law further and make it difficult to access information from the government.

The RTI Act