The Mahiti Hakku Adhyayana Kendra, a prominent advocacy group based in Bengaluru, has formally appealed to President Droupadi Murmu. The organization voiced strong opposition to the Karnataka Information Commission’s (KIC) decision to bar ordinary citizens and Right to Information (RTI) activists from attending the upcoming 20th-anniversary celebrations of the RTI Act, scheduled for October 14 at Yavanika in Bengaluru.
In a letter dated October 12, B.H. Veeresha, a trustee of the Mahiti Hakku Adhyayana Kendra, clearly expressed his objection to the KIC’s exclusion of the public from this significant milestone. He emphasized that the 20th anniversary is more than just an official event; it’s a crucial opportunity to reflect on the progress made by the Act and the ongoing challenges in achieving its core objectives.
“To deny citizens—who are, without doubt, the primary beneficiaries and stakeholders—the chance to participate in such an important event directly contradicts the fundamental principles and spirit of the RTI law,” he stated.
An Unjustified Exclusion That Erodes Public Trust
Veeresha condemned the decision to prevent citizens and RTI activists from attending the anniversary event as “arbitrary.” He argued that such an exclusion raises serious questions about the commitment to transparency and genuine inclusivity. “This kind of exclusion damages public trust and weakens the participatory form of governance that both the Constitution of India and the RTI framework are designed to uphold,” explained Mr. Veeresha, who is also a dedicated RTI activist.
Mr. Veeresha earnestly requested the President to instruct the relevant authorities to provide a clear explanation for this restriction. He concluded by expressing his confidence that, as the constitutional head of the nation, President Murmu would take action to safeguard citizens’ rights and uphold the cherished democratic values of India.