Experts Warn Dilution of RTI Act and Digital Rights Issues at VIT Law Conclave 2026

<h2>Overview</h2> <p>At the <strong>Justice Unplugged: Shaping the Future</strong> law conclave organised by the VIT School of Law, VIT Chennai, senior advocates <strong>Gopal Sankaranarayanan</strong> and <strong>Shadan Farasat</strong>, along with Professor <strong>M.S. Sharmila</strong>, highlighted a growing erosion of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Right to Information Act, 2005 — legislation that empowers citizens to request information from public authorities, enhancing transparency and accountability (GS2: Polity)">RTI Act</span>. They discussed how digital‑era challenges, such as the “right to be forgotten” and online obscenity, are being addressed within existing legal frameworks.</p> <h2>Key Developments</h2> <ul> <li>Panelists described the <span class="key-term" data-definition="RTI Act — a cornerstone of transparency that enables citizens to obtain information from government bodies (GS2: Polity)">RTI Act</span> as being in a “dead phase” over the past decade, with central agencies rarely complying.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>The need for new legislation on online obscenity was rejected; existing provisions under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Information Technology Act, 2000 — primary statute governing electronic commerce, cyber‑crimes and digital signatures in India (GS3: Technology)">IT Act</span> and criminal law were deemed sufficient.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Professor Sharmila called for enhanced <span class="key-term" data-definition="Digital literacy — ability to locate, evaluate, and create information using digital technologies; crucial for informed citizenship and governance (GS2: Polity)">digital literacy</span> and training in AI to empower citizens against emerging digital power structures.</li> </ul> <h2>Important Facts</h2> <p>The conclave, held on <strong>28 February 2026</strong> in Delhi, featured a dialogue between senior advocates of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Supreme Court of India — the apex judicial body that interprets the Constitution and adjudicates disputes involving the Union and states (GS2: Polity)">Supreme Court</span> 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.</p> <h2>UPSC Relevance</h2> <p>Understanding the current status of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="RTI Act — a tool for citizen‑state accountability, frequently asked in GS2 (Polity) questions on transparency and governance.">RTI Act</span> is essential for GS2 (Polity) and GS3 (Governance) topics. The panel’s view that the <span class="key-term" data-definition="IT Act — regulates cyber‑crimes and electronic transactions, a frequent GS3 (Technology) reference.">IT Act</span> 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 <span class="key-term" data-definition="Digital literacy — critical for informed participation in a technology‑driven democracy, relevant to GS2 and GS4.">digital literacy</span> aligns with the UPSC focus on citizen empowerment and governance reforms.</p> <h2>Way Forward</h2> <p>Panelists suggested the following steps:</p> <ul> <li>Strengthen enforcement mechanisms of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="RTI Act — ensure timely disclosure by public authorities (GS2: Polity)">RTI Act</span> to revive its transformative impact.</li> <li>Promote responsible courtroom communication, encouraging judges to embed observations in formal orders rather than media‑friendly remarks.</li> <li>Leverage existing provisions of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="IT Act — use its anti‑obscenity clauses to address online vulgar content (GS3: Technology)">IT Act</span> while updating guidelines to keep pace with evolving digital platforms.</li> <li>Integrate digital‑literacy curricula at school and higher‑education levels, with specific modules on AI ethics and data privacy.</li> <li>Maintain a balanced approach to the “right to be forgotten,” preserving public records of judicial outcomes while protecting genuine privacy concerns.</li> </ul> <p>These recommendations aim to safeguard constitutional guarantees, ensure transparent governance, and equip citizens to navigate the digital future.</p>