PM for maintaining fine balance between RTI, privacy

Addressing the annual convention of information commissioners here, Manmohan Singh highlighted the concerns over possible infringement of personal privacy with the government providing information under the RTI (Right To Information) Act, 2005.

Public authorities should not view the law as "an irritant" but as one that does collective good, he said, indicating that there were concerns about "frivolous and vexatious use" of the act in demanding information, the disclosure of which cannot possibly serve any public purpose.

"Concerns have also been raised regarding possible infringement of personal privacy while providing information under the RTI Act." "There is a fine balance required to be maintained between the RTI and the right to privacy, which stems out of the fundamental rights to life and liberty," Manmohan Singh said at the event.

The prime minister said the citizens' right to know should "definitely be circumscribed" if disclosure of information encroaches upon someone's personal privacy.