Constitutional article related to Right to Information.

Article 19 of the Indian Constitution is the constitutional article related to the Right to Information. This article guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, which has been interpreted by the Supreme Court of India to include the right to access information. The rationale behind this interpretation is that a democratic society thrives on transparency and accountability, and the citizens must have the means to be informed about the workings of the government.

The Right to Information Act, enacted in 2005, further solidified this understanding by providing citizens with the legal framework to request information from public authorities. This act empowers individuals to seek information regarding government functioning, thereby promoting transparency and curbing corruption. The connection between Article 19 and the Right to Information is crucial, as it recognizes that informed citizens are essential for a healthy democracy.

While Articles 17, 21, and 25 address other fundamental rights—such as the prohibition of untouchability, the right to life and personal liberty, and the freedom of religion respectively—they do not explicitly encompass the right to information. It is Article 19 that lays the foundation for the people’s right to seek information, reinforcing the idea that an informed citizenry is a pillar of democracy. Understanding this relationship between Article 19 and the Right to Information is vital for competitive exam preparation, as it highlights the importance of constitutional provisions in safeguarding democratic values.