The Right to Information (RTI) Act, crucial for transparency and accountability, is increasingly becoming ineffective, often termed a “dead letter.”

Delays and Backlog: Significant delays in appointing Information Commissioners have led to a backlog of cases. For instance, the Central Information Commission (CIC) faced a backlog of over 36,000 cases in 2020.

RTI Amendment Act, 2019: This amendment gave the central government control over the tenure and salaries of Information Commissioners, undermining their autonomy and effectiveness.

Increased Rejections: Public authorities are increasingly rejecting RTI requests on vague grounds, with information on political funding and public projects often withheld.

Harassment of Activists: RTI activists face threats and violence, discouraging citizens from using the RTI Act. Notable cases include the murders of activists like Amit Jethwa and Satish Shetty.

Non-Compliance by Authorities: Many government departments fail to proactively disclose information as mandated, forcing citizens to file RTI requests.

Judicial Limitations: Some judicial rulings, like the Supreme Court’s decision in CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011), have limited the scope of the RTI Act.

These issues undermine the RTI Act’s effectiveness, diminishing its role in promoting transparency and accountability.

Regional parties have significantly strengthened India’s federal system by promoting decentralization, representing regional interests, and fostering political diversity.

Promoting Decentralization: Parties like the All India Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu empower state governments to assert autonomy and demand greater fiscal and administrative powers.

Representing Regional Interests: The Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh advocates for state-specific needs, ensuring national policies consider regional priorities.

Fostering Political Diversity: Strong regional parties have necessitated coalition governments at the center, like the United Progressive Alliance and National Democratic Alliance, leading to more inclusive governance.

Strengthening Federalism: The Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab opposes central overreach, contributing to a balanced power dynamic between the center and states.

Enhancing Cultural Representation: Shiv Sena in Maharashtra promotes Marathi culture and language, reinforcing the federal principle of unity in diversity.

Policy Innovations: The Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi introduces innovative governance models, fostering competitive federalism where states learn from each other’s successes.

Grassroots Democracy: Movements led by regional parties, such as the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, empower local populations and bring governance closer to the grassroots level.

In summary, regional parties ensure that India’s federal structure remains dynamic and responsive to diverse needs.

Article 361 of the Indian Constitution provides certain immunities to the President and Governors of States. According to this article:

1. Immunity from Court Proceedings: The President and Governors are not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of their office or for any act done or purported to be done by them in the exercise and performance of those powers and duties.
2. Criminal Proceedings: No criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the President or a Governor during their term of office.
3. Arrest or Imprisonment: The President or a Governor shall not be arrested or imprisoned during their term of office.
4. Civil Proceedings: No process for the arrest or imprisonment of the President or a Governor shall be issued from any court during their term of office.

However, this immunity does not mean that the President or Governors are above the law entirely. It means that they cannot be prosecuted or arrested while they are in office. If there are allegations of heinous crimes such as rape, molestation or corruption,they can be investigated.