The Hindu: Amravati: Sunday, 12th October 2025.
The Andhra Pradesh
Information Commission celebrated vicennial (20th anniversary) of the Right to
Information (RTI) Act-2005, highlighting its crucial role in promoting
transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment, on Friday (October 10,
2025).
Addressing the gathering, former High Court Judge Justice Telaprolu Rajani said that the RTI Act has strengthened democracy by enabling citizens to hold the government accountable. She noted that although the RTI is not explicitly listed as a Fundamental Right in the Constitution, Supreme Court judgments have upheld it as an extension of the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19.
State Information Commissioner P. Samuel Jonathan emphasised the need to enhance the Commission’s efficiency and autonomy by expediting case disposals and treating appellants and public authorities with equal respect. He urged the government to fill key vacancies, including those of Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Law Secretary, and Accounts Officer, to ensure smooth functioning.
Commissioner Ch. Suneel detailed efforts to raise awareness through over 900 RTI programmes reaching more than one lakh citizens, while former Commissioner K. Chenna Reddy suggested measures for faster clearance of pending cases. The event began with the reading of the RTI preamble and a cake-cutting ceremony marking two decades of the landmark legislation.
Addressing the gathering, former High Court Judge Justice Telaprolu Rajani said that the RTI Act has strengthened democracy by enabling citizens to hold the government accountable. She noted that although the RTI is not explicitly listed as a Fundamental Right in the Constitution, Supreme Court judgments have upheld it as an extension of the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19.
State Information Commissioner P. Samuel Jonathan emphasised the need to enhance the Commission’s efficiency and autonomy by expediting case disposals and treating appellants and public authorities with equal respect. He urged the government to fill key vacancies, including those of Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Law Secretary, and Accounts Officer, to ensure smooth functioning.
Commissioner Ch. Suneel detailed efforts to raise awareness through over 900 RTI programmes reaching more than one lakh citizens, while former Commissioner K. Chenna Reddy suggested measures for faster clearance of pending cases. The event began with the reading of the RTI preamble and a cake-cutting ceremony marking two decades of the landmark legislation.
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