In the modern democratic states emphasis is given to open governments. The citizens are entitled to know all the policies and programmes followed by the government. Unless people get adequate information about the functioning of the government, they cannot reach a reasonable decision. In a welfare state, the government enjoys vast powers which affect the economic interests and personal liberty of the citizens. It is crucial to ensure that these powers are exercised for public good and this can be done through access to governmental information. The Official Secrets Act, 1923 was first consolidated enactment in this subject which deals with espionage and disclosure of other secret official information. This Act provided that disclosure of any kind of secret information will attract prosecution under this Act whatever be the purpose or its impact. After independence, the first enactment on the subject was the Freedom of Information Act, 2002 and due to certain serious defects it was not implemented. Finally, Right to Information Act, 2005 came into existence which was more progressive and meaningful. This Act distinctly provides that subject to the provisions of the Act, all citizens shall have right to information.
