Ahmedabad, April 13 (IANS) Marking the completion of 20 years of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, a comprehensive reference publication documenting the law’s evolution, institutional framework and landmark rulings was released in Ahmedabad on Monday by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

The book, titled ‘Right to Information – Two Decades Journey’, has been prepared as an in-house compilation by the Gujarat Information Commission.

The release took place at a programme organised at GUJSAIL in Ahmedabad, where the Deputy Chief Minister formally unveiled the publication in the presence of senior officials of the Commission and other dignitaries.

The event was held as part of commemorations marking two decades since the enactment of the RTI Act, 2005, which came into force as a landmark legislation aimed at strengthening transparency in governance and enabling citizens’ access to information.

Addressing the gathering, Sanghavi said the Right to Information framework has established itself as an effective instrument for promoting transparency and accountability in public administration.

He added that the newly released publication would function as a practical guide for government employees engaged in RTI-related work, as well as for researchers and members of the public seeking to understand the law and its application.

According to officials, the publication provides a structured overview of the RTI regime, beginning with its historical background and extending to the statutory provisions of the Act, rules framed by the Central and State governments, and key administrative orders relevant to its implementation.

It also documents the formation of the Gujarat Information Commission, its organisational structure, operational procedures and working methodology, supported by statistical data reflecting RTI applications and disposal patterns.

A major component of the book is a compilation of 201 significant judgments delivered by the Supreme Court, various High Courts, and different information commissions across the country.

These rulings have been included to highlight how judicial interpretation and quasi-judicial decisions have contributed to shaping the practical enforcement and evolution of the RTI framework over the past two decades.

Officials said the publication has been designed as a consolidated resource that brings together legal, administrative and procedural aspects of the Act in a single volume.

They noted that it is intended to serve as both a reference document and a knowledge base for stakeholders involved in transparency and governance-related work.

–IANS

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