Activists oppose move to amend RTI law

The Odisha Soochana Adhikar Abhijan, a State-level forum of RTI activists and NGO members spearheading campaign for effective implementation of the RTI Act in the State, appealed President Pranab Mukherjee not to give his assent to a proposed ordinance to amend the RTI Act, which is to be moved by the Union shortly. In a letter to Mukherjee, the Abhijan members said, “It has come to our notice that the Government of India has decided to promulgate an ordinance to amend the RTI Act with an aim to counter the decision of the CIC declaring six political parties as public authorities which are subject to the RTI Act.”

“We are sure you realise that an ordinance should only be promulgated when there is a great urgency. Article 123 of the Constitution states that if at any time, except when both Houses of Parliament are in session, the President is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action, he may promulgate such ordinance. But since there is no urgency to promulgate an ordinance in this case, we appeal to you not to give your assent,” said the letter.