Supreme Court Refers DPDP Act–RTI

The Supreme Court referred petitions challenging the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act amendment to the RTI Act to a Constitution Bench. The challenge concerns the blanket exemption of personal information introduced under the amended RTI provisions.

DPDP Act Amendment to RTI Act:

Dimension	Key Details
DPDP Act Purpose	Provides legal framework for protection of personal data of individuals shared with data fiduciaries
Origin	Puttaswamy Judgment 2017 declared Right to Privacy as Fundamental Right under Article 21 linked to Article 19; Justice B N Srikrishna Committee proposed data protection framework
RTI Act 2005	Provides citizens right to seek information from public authorities
Earlier RTI Provision	Section 8(1)(j) allowed disclosure of personal information if larger public interest justified disclosure
Amended Provision	Section 44(3) of DPDP Act amends Section 8(1)(j) to provide blanket exemption for personal information without exception
Constitutional Issue	Amendment challenged as ultra vires for violating Right to Information recognised under Articles 19 and 21
Transparency Concern	Disclosure of assets and liabilities of public servants in public interest may be affected
ARC Reference	Second Administrative Reforms Commission report titled Right to Information Master Key to Good Governance positioned RTI as tool for administrative openness