Overview
At the Justice Unplugged: Shaping the Future law conclave organised by the VIT School of Law, VIT Chennai, senior advocates Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Shadan Farasat, along with Professor M.S. Sharmila, highlighted a growing erosion of the RTI Act. They discussed how digital‑era challenges, such as the “right to be forgotten” and online obscenity, are being addressed within existing legal frameworks.
Key Developments
- Panelists described the RTI Act as being in a “dead phase” over the past decade, with central agencies rarely complying.
- Judicial transparency through live‑streamed hearings was praised, but speakers warned judges and lawyers must avoid sensational remarks that could jeopardise the integrity of proceedings.
- The need for new legislation on online obscenity was rejected; existing provisions under the IT Act and criminal law were deemed sufficient.
- When asked about the “right to be forgotten,” the panel rejected the notion of erasing public records of criminal charges once a person is discharged, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical truth.
- Professor Sharmila called for enhanced digital literacy and training in AI to empower citizens against emerging digital power structures.
Important Facts
The conclave, held on 28 February 2026 in Delhi, featured a dialogue between senior advocates of the Supreme Court and a law professor. The discussion covered fundamental rights in the digital age, the adequacy of existing statutes to curb obscene content, and the limits of the “right to be forgotten” doctrine.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the current status of the RTI Act is essential for GS2 (Polity) and GS3 (Governance) topics. The panel’s view that the IT Act already covers obscenity helps aspirants answer questions on cyber‑law without assuming new legislation. The debate on the “right to be forgotten” ties into discussions on privacy, data protection, and the balance between individual rights and public interest—key themes in GS2 and GS4 (Ethics). Finally, the emphasis on digital literacy aligns with the UPSC focus on citizen empowerment and governance reforms.
Way Forward
Panelists suggested the following steps:
- Strengthen enforcement mechanisms of the RTI Act to revive its transformative impact.
- Promote responsible courtroom communication, encouraging judges to embed observations in formal orders rather than media‑friendly remarks.
- Leverage existing provisions of the IT Act while updating guidelines to keep pace with evolving digital platforms.
- Integrate digital‑literacy curricula at school and higher‑education levels, with specific modules on AI ethics and data privacy.
- Maintain a balanced approach to the “right to be forgotten,” preserving public records of judicial outcomes while protecting genuine privacy concerns.
These recommendations aim to safeguard constitutional guarantees, ensure transparent governance, and equip citizens to navigate the digital future.