In the RTI dilution row, activists and journalists have approached the Supreme Court of India against the Modi government’s privacy law, arguing it enables the withholding of crucial public information and undermines core constitutional principles of the nation.
Today, On 16th February, The Supreme Court of India refused to stay the RTI Act amendment made through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and issued notice to the Centre on a plea challenging its constitutional validity.
Today, On 4th April, The Supreme Court refused to consider a plea seeking a social media ban for children under 13. It said that such matters should be handled by the government, not the court. The petition claimed that too much screen time is causing a mental health crisis among children. It urged stricter rules, but the court left the decision to policymakers.
On Wednesday (10th April): The State Bank of India (SBI) refused to disclose electoral bond data under the RTI Act, citing exemptions related to fiduciary capacity and public interest. This refusal, including the denial of information about the payment to lawyer Harish Salve, has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, undermining democratic principles and public interest. The case may reflect future changes in RTI Act exemptions under the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
