Cong. calls for repeal of amendment to Data Protection Act, Pg 11

Oppositions Objection

• Jairam Ramesh urged repeal of Section 44(3) of Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, citing threat to RTI Act, 2005.

• Amendment prohibits disclosure of personal data even if public interest exists.

Impact on RTI Framework

• Original Section 8(1)(j) RTI Act allowed data disclosure in larger public interest; this clause now removed.

• Activists argue balance between privacy & RTI is compromised; transparency eroded.

Governments Stand

• Cites Supreme Court 2017 Right to Privacy Judgment as justification for tighter data protection.

• Claims only already public info will be shared.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Need to balance individual privacy with public accountability.

• Suggest review of data protection norms, RTI amendments, and public consultations for inclusive governance.

Mains Mock Question:

"How does the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 impact the Right to Information in India? Suggest measures to ensure a balance between privacy and transparency."