By overriding RTI Act, new law triggers transparency concerns, Pg22

Key Highlights:

• The SHANTI Bill, 2025 is under scrutiny for overriding the RTI Act via Section 39.
• Section 39 empowers the Centre to declare nuclear-related information as "restricted".
• Restricted information includes details on nuclear facilities, materials, and regulatory interactions.
• Unlike the RTI Act, Section 39 offers no provision for public interest override or appeals.

Detailed Insights:

• The SHANTI Bill's Section 39 allows the government to restrict information related to nuclear energy, potentially hindering transparency.
• Section 8 of the RTI Act already allows withholding information that could affect national security or strategic interests.
• The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 also had secrecy provisions, but the RTI Act theoretically prevailed after its enactment.
• Section 39 bypasses the RTI Act's appeal process, preventing challenges to information restriction.
• Concerns exist that Section 39 could deter whistleblowing and independent scrutiny, especially with private sector involvement in nuclear energy.
• The RTI Act mandates a public interest override, allowing information disclosure if it outweighs potential harm, a provision absent in Section 39.

Key Concepts Involved:

• RTI Act: Legislation promoting transparency and accountability in public authorities by granting citizens access to information.
• Transparency: The principle that government actions should be open to public scrutiny and easily accessible.
• Accountability: The obligation of public officials to answer for their actions and decisions.