Right to Information v. Right to Privacy: A Constitutional Battle
Lead author · Corresponding
Roshni Naskar
Student at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, India
Abstract
“Government of the people, by the people, for the people” defines democracy worldwide. Democracy is founded on the ideals of equality, liberty, and open debate. Knowledge is power and the Right to Information Act, 2005 has made the citizens custodians of this power, while the Right to Privacy restricts it. The paper sheds light on the Constitutional provisions securing the Right to Information and the Right to Privacy and features cases outlining the conflicts between the parallel rights. The paper further reflects on whether public interest trumps citizens’ right to privacy in the context of access to information from the government.