RTI Act empowers people’s voice in democracy, says Keralam Information Commissioner
State Information Commissioner TK Ramakrishnan at a seminar on Right to Information Act for officials in 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 TK Ramakrishnan said here on Thursday (Nov 12, 2026).
He started a seminar on “Everything you need to know about the right to information” here at the City Hall.
Mr. Ramakrishnan said that the Supreme Court through several judgments had recognized the right to information as part of the fundamental right even before the RTI Act came into force.
People’s movement
He traced the origin of the law to a grassroots movement led by farmers and laborers in the village of Devdungri in Rajasthan. The protest demanded access to official records and recognition of people’s right to information.
A campaign led by Aruna Roy and efforts by organizations such as the National Campaign for People’s Right to Information helped build support for the legislation. Following these moves, Parliament passed the RTI Act in 2005.
He said the RTI Act is a people’s law and government officials are responsible for its effective implementation. However, there would be no misuse of the law, he added.
He also clarified that the 30-day period for providing information should not be considered a mandatory waiting period. According to him, the authorities should provide information as soon as possible.
The right to challenge those in power is a strength of democracy, Mr. Ramakrishnan said. He added that this right, once largely limited to elected representatives, has been extended to ordinary citizens through the RTI Act.
District Collector Vinay Goyal presided over the function. Source K. Prasad answered the questions of the participants. Speakers included Additional District Magistrate PO Sadiq and Program Coordinator S. Suresh Kumar. Around 800 officials from various ministries participated in the seminar.
Published – 13 Nov 2026 07:00 IST