How Safe Are RTI Activists?

The RTI bill that was passed in the parliament in 2005, was all about empowering Indians through information which gave new meaning to the motto "seek and you shall find." But for some it meant “seek and you die”. The death of over twelve RTI activists last year brings one question to our mind. Is it worth taking all the trouble for the good of the common public at the risk of one’s own life?

The fate of over twelve RTI activists last year who sought information to bring about transparency in the public domain brings one question to our mind. Is it all worth? Says a Guwahati based lawyer, Kunjabala Devi, who has filed many RTIs, “The lives of RTI activities are always under threat, but that doesn’t mean we cease to seek information for the public good.” 

In the recent times, there have been lot of debates and discussions in the parliament for the protection of these activists but there has been no conclusive decision so far. Yes, RTI activities are perhaps the most susceptible victims of the society, but sadly the law passed in 2005 mentions no protection for these activists.

The recent case of Delhi based, RTI activist Ravinder Balwani leaves a lot of questions to be answered. Balwani was found dead in the capital following a mysterious hit-and-run incident. Balwani is not just an isolated case. Who doesn’t remember the famous Shehla Masood murder in the open day lights?  A case that shook the nation and left a permanent question mark regarding the safety of RTI activists.

Many activists routinely face serious physical assaults as well as other punishment for bringing the corrupt under a scanner and demanding greater government transparency. There were also incidents where a RTI activist has been implicated in false cases just to strangulate their voices. However, it is not just only the RTI activists that have to bear the wrath of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, but evidences prove that even policemen and social activist have been murdered for “intervening too much into matter that seemed fishy.” There are many such incidents that go unnoticed in the media or no formal police complain has been has registered.

Though the question of protection of the RTI activities has been debated in the parliament for long now, the situation right now seems too critical for the government to ignore any further. Says Subir Mishra, a social worker, “The RTI Act passed in 2005 didn’t do much for the protection of the RTI activists. It’s time that the bill should be amended to protect the interest and also bring about more safety for the petitioners.”

More often than not, the sloppy functioning in various departments has created difficulties in giving out information sought under Right to Information Act. It has been reported that since the enforcement of Right to Information Act in 2005, numerous application seeking information on the developmental activities taken up by various Government departments have poured in, but unfortunately, the Government has not been able to provide the information within the stipulated time . So who is to be blame for this misconduct and indifference? 

Says, Ms Devi, “Unlike in UK, where a citizen seeking information, the government has to reply back in flat 21 days, the Indian government is not abide by any rule here. They mostly blame the inept functioning and indifference of the government employees in providing the information. But I think it is mostly the pressure from the politicians and bureaucrats that prevents the Right to Information to the common man.“ Devi adds. 

Whatever reason the government gives for not being able to furnish out information, one thing is for sure, the Government didn’t realise the power they have passed on to the common man when they introduced this law. The movement now has caught the imagination of different sections of the people, be it the middle class or the poor. The media also have a major professional stake in the right to information because it would greatly aid the investigation of executive action. 

At this juncture, it is difficult to predict whether India is on the verge of the passage of a landmark law which apart from giving explicit guarantee to the people’s right to information would also concern about their safety. However Yes the Indians ave surely risen to the occasion.

Madhu Sawant, an activist from Bangalore adds. “Come down to streets and fight with corrupt people. Just thinking about doing something and not really acting towards it will not make India corruption free. I am an RTI activist. All I can say, we don't need your sympathy, we need your support. File  thousands RTI, let’s see whether they can kill all of the thousands”