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Right to Privacy vis-a-vis Right to Information: A quintessential circumspection

Are the Rights to Information and Privacy quintessentially needed in the society? Are they absolute? Can they work in Harmony? Can they hold the test of time and prove themselves to be dynamic?
This Article seeks to establish the intrinsic nuances of the Right of Privacy and Right to Information. Though the Justice KS. Puttaswamy Judgement has catered to the issue of Aadhar Card and Right to Privacy; it has still given birth to many impending issues like the correlation and analysis of the Right to Privacy and Right to Information Act, which is sought to be sorted.

Introduction:
Right to Information has been an aspect of immense grandeur right from its inception. It sought not only to provide access of information to the individuals from the control of Government authorities, but also promoted information disclosure on a transparent scale. It has predominantly ensured that the entities are answerable to the public and proved that for effective functioning of the public authorities, efficient enforcement and disclosure mechanism is important.

On the other hand, Right to Privacy has been held to be an implicit fundamental right within the ambit of the Article 21 of the Constitution following the landmark Justice K. S Puttaswamy v. Union of India[1]. Both Right to Information and Right to Privacy are recognised worldwide as fundamental and basic human rights and have their own sets of origins and functions applicable.

Right to Information:
From the Official Secrets Act[2] passed by the British Legislation, where the citizens were supposedly granted the authority to access Information, to the Right of Information Act, 2005, India has witnessed many high's and many low's. The Change that has occurred, has given more authority and rights to citizens.

Right to Information forms part of Article 19 of Constitution which talks about Freedom of Speech and Expression. Citizens' Right to know has been recognised and the importance of express opinion about the idea of Democracy has been highlighted.

The Act has been constructed in a wholesome manner by ensuring that the time period necessary to provide information, the method of such provision and exceptions, are addressed.
Right to Information Act has been said to be passed not only for accountability but also to make sure that there is no secrecy in the functioning of the Government. Awareness is considered an essential feature.

The Governments have been made responsible for providing the access of information requisitioned by the citizens. The Public Authorities under the Act are those established by the Government or under the Indian Constitution, by Parliament, by Legislature of the State, notification or an NGO[3].

Right to Information is said to have originated from the freedom of expression and is considered a backbone worldwide[4]. It is needed and is essential for smooth process of every democratic country[5]. In a democracy, citizens participate and adhere to the decision making process. For this to succeed, there is a need for information on the policies brought in by the Government, which can be achieved through Right to Information.

The Public authorities are to address the issue of imparting information within a time period of 120 days and this has been mandated by Section 4 of the Act. Bodies like the Central Information Commission and State Information Commission have been established to resolve disputes filed by citizens on failure to access information[6].

The Act does not permit absolute disclosure, rather provides few exemptions to disclosure under Section 8 of the Act. They include information from the public authority need not be disclosedif it is of a nature that would put the safety of a person at risk. If the information is of such a secretive nature that it will endanger the security interest of the nation, then it is exempted.

Principles of Formulation include:
  1. Flow of information without any disturbance and in a fair manner.
  2. Co-relation with aspects of privacy and remove contradiction.
  3. Government accountability for any misuse or abrupt mishandling of information.
  4. Security to the individuals as an interest of the state.
Elements[7] of Right to Information include:
  • Every individual has an inherent right to seek information.
  • This inherent right gives a corresponding duty to the respective entity to provide the information within a reasonable time.
  • Rights are always subject to exemptions. They generally include interests of security and privacy, public order, information received on basis of trust.
  • Bodies are set up to address the grievances of the citizens who allege that information has been withheld.

Analysis of the Provisions:
The Act has come into force from the 21st of June 2005 and has received President's Assent on 15th of June 2005.

The Preamble sets out to provide information access to the citizens subject to no loss of confidentiality. It is made available to all citizens who want to avail it and is considered essential to bring together the interests of those in contradiction with each other.

Information[8] under the Act refers to records, mails, advices, and others held in physical form or electronic form which is under the public authority and is accessible.

Right to Information[9] has been defined through a series of rights which include the right to inspect the documents and materials, right to take the material samples, right to obtain information in both electronic and physical format.

Public Information Officers have been accorded to make sure and to provide the information sought by the citizens[10]. Application seeking information can be filed before the Central/ State Public Information Officer, Central/ State Assistant Public Officer.

Complaint can be made to the Appellate Authorities citing withhold of Information, fee amount not as per the provisions of the Act, inability to register with the Public Information Officers. Pritam Rooj v. University of Calcutta[11] right to information is considered the most basic. And it is an empowerment granted to the individual.

Right to Information- From the Fundamental Right perspective:
Freedom of press has been closely linked to the Right of Information as the growth of Information, as a right begun with press. When the freedom of speech and expression is curbed, then citizens' right to know is said to be enhanced as they seek the reasons to such a curb.

A Case that has analysed the aspect of Information is Bennett Coleman v. Union of India[12], where Information was said to be contained within Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19 of the Constitution. In People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India[13] and SP Gupta v. Union of India[14], it was analysed by the Hon'ble Court that there is a need for public to know the details of the Acts done and measures undertaken by the Public Authorities.

In Re Raj Narain[15], the Court has institutionalised that the right of the citizens to know about every public act and though not absolute, it is a factor of utmost importance. In Indian Express Newspapers v. Union of India[16], It has been stated that the fundamental structure of speech and expression is the right to not only express views and opinions freely but also the right to know.

Secretary General of Supreme Court of India v. Subhash Chandra Agarwal[17], The Respondent sought for declaration of assets and the court declared that the information be made known. The Delhi High Court stated that any information given by the Chief Justice of India is also a matter of public information and if he has declared assets, then that it is treated as personal information and dealt with under Section 8(1)(j)[18] of the Right to Information Act.

To know the acts done by a candidate before elections can be considered to be a fundamental right of the citizens who are voting under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. This is when the Right to Information is needed to the voters so that he can be the final decider of who he wants to vote for and for whom he doesn't.

Right to Information[19] is said to benefit as:
It improves the reputation of the Government : Right to Information creates and enhances citizen partnership with the Government. Welfare projects introduced by the Government are made in collaboration with co-operative and other non- profit organisations to improve government trust in people.

It provides corruption free service: If the information is made accessible to all citizens, then there is absence of misuse of power and increase in transparency of the Government Authorities. Administration is made without any ulterior motives and achieves efficiency.

Enables the citizens to get access to information and thus, advocate for themselves. It helps people for information about centres, states and also non- governmental organisations.

Discomforts present in the Act:
In a country that has been long affected by levels of illiteracy, it is important that the purpose of legislations like the Right to Information Act, be made known. Mere introduction and passing of the Act as a legislation, is not enough.

The authorities are required to ensure that public awareness is made in each and every rural area and, if there is no access to electronic medium, then there is a necessity to physically explain to the citizens in that area.

In the Right to Information Act, 2005, exemptions cross the necessary borders, as restrictions have also been placed on records of cabinet, which encourage them to withhold information. It is a sine qua non function that is given the most priority in a democratic country.

Right to Privacy
Privacy is that right of an individual that his/her personal data belongs to that individual and not made use of by any other entity or person unless the individual consents to the same. Black's Law Dictionary has summed privacy to be letting the person alone and non- interference into a person's life.

Privacy provides an aspect of control to the individual and is all about confidentiality of information whether useful or not. It ensures autonomy and feeling of safety to individuals. Right of Privacy does not stop only with unwarranted interference, it also holds within it, the protection of data from strangers, trespassers and also lawyer-client confidentiality.

Universal declaration of Human rights[20] has analysed that no one should interfere into another person's property or personal matters. International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights[21] states that the concept of privacy is unlawful and no one shall be allowed to interfere. European Convention on Human Rights[22] states that no one shall interfere if the public is not affected and unless such interference brings out protection of morals of a healthy society.

The Right to Privacy is an uncontested right of a person which is combined with the right of life and personal liberty of an individual. It is in question only when the meaning tends to be altered or when it is mishandled by individuals on the wrong side of law. Right to Privacy is protected under Article 21 of the Constitution, which provides that no person shall be striped off life except under procedure established by law.

It is the right that provides an individual freedom for being intruded at by the public. However, this is not an absolute right and imposition of restrictions are allowed. These restrictions have been placed to fulfil the provisions of Directive Principles of State Policy enunciated in the Constitution.

Right to Privacy has been brought down essentially from damages through private action for intrusion of privacy being maintainable and through Right to Life and Personal Liberty from the Constitution.

This right of privacy generally tends to supersede the liberty concept as there is a difficulty to analyse the ambit of this right.Right to Privacy is not an explicit provision in the Indian Constitution but is a matter of law that has originated from the precedents.

It is a basic right that seeks to preserve the personality and own works of individuals and it has now attained popularity as the 'right to be left alone'[23].

In Kharak Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh[24], the Supreme Court recognised the right of privacy and observed it to be implicit in the provisions of the Constitution. However it did not successfully contest that Privacy is a fundamental right and declared it was not.

In Govind v. State of Madhya Pradesh[25], it was decided that the right to Privacy is subject to compelling interest and that it was based on the assumption that privacy is a fundamental right. It was held to be prominent and integral to upkeep the structure of Article 21 of the Constitution.

It is said that if there occurs an invasion of privacy, then it can be subjected to a veil provided that the commission of the offence is made by the State and not an individual[26]. In Rajagopal v. State of Tamil Nadu[27] that publication in any form without the express consent of the individual is considered an invasion of privacy and it is irrespective of whether it is the truth or defamatory.

Justice Puttaswamy v. Union of India[28], the main issue was revolving around whether the Aadhar scheme was violative of the Right to Privacy and whether it is an inherent fundamental right or not. The Court, through a nine-judge bench decided that Privacy is a Fundamental right and is contained within the ambit of Section 21 of the Constitution.

In Selvi v. State of Karnataka[29], the Supreme Court established and made known that there is a difference existent between physical and mental privacy and this act of segregation is important.

In People's Union for Civil Liberties v Union of India[30], communications privacy was analysed. The Analysis was laid down as intercepted communication is integral and must be passed in the order specified.

In Sharda v. Dharmpal[31], Right to Privacy was not an absolute right and that the right which provides greater interest will prevail over the lesser one.

In State of Maharashtra v. Madhukar Narayan Mardikar[32], it was held that just because a woman is a prostitute, does not mean she is not entitled to the right of privacy. No one can intrude into her privacy and cannot contend that she is a woman of easy virtue. In Ram Jethmalani v. Union of India[33], it was decided that the Right to Privacy, even though an integral one, it is important that humans be allowed the process of judicial check over all acts.

Government's intrusion can also be made subject to an in depth analysis of the case. In Unique Identification Authority of India v. Central Bureau of Investigation[34], CBI sought for access of the Unique Identification Authority database which was ruled against by the Supreme Court of India. It was observed that no information can be transferred, even by Government entities without the prior consent of the individuals who are the owners of that information.

In today's technologically advanced era, there is a possibility of million cyber crimes like theft of personality, online victims, cyber stalking, cyber bullying, cyber pornography etc which is why the importance of Right to Information and Right to Privacy must be highlighted.

The factors that are to contain in every state that assures its individuals on presence of privacy are:
  1. Assure that invasion into individual's affairs will be eradicated.
  2. Disclosure of private information will not be made on a public forum.
  3. If there is a possibility of monetary or advertising advantage, the information will not be misused.

Bill on Right to Privacy[35]:
This Bill promotes individual's privacy at basic fundamental levels like e-mails forwarded or received, conversations made through telephones, and amenities or facilities availed like medical or financial services.

Privacy is not only considered subject to the limitations of crime prevention, public chaos etc but also arises out of relationships that have been created out of marriage, politics etc. It is also not restricted to a mere right but is also connected to Right of Dignity as enunciated in Article 21 of the Constitution. It safeguards and protects parts of family, love, marriage that are necessary to bind the society to its traditional roots. It can be said that while defining privacy, Supreme Court did not leave a stone unturned and confidentiality as an integral aspect was well established by the Judiciary to the Individuals[36].

Relationship Co-existing between Right to Information and Right to Privacy
In today's scenario, there is more focus on the concept of data protection, data localization, however, it must be realised that for achieving technological advancements, it is important that first, the future of Privacy and Right to Information is essential and needs to be analysed through a broader spectrum[37].

Right to Information and Right to Privacy complement each other, more often than not. Both the rights provide access of personal information. Issues between the Right of Information and Right of Privacy can be mitigated through application of better definitions, better measures adopted and clarity in bifurcation[38]. Appropriate tests to determine public interest may be adopted thus striking a common cord between the rights. The relationship between Right to Information and Right to Privacy cannot be resolved in a straightforward manner but must be analysed according to a case by case understanding and resolution thereafter.

The right to Information and Right to privacy can be analysed through the perspective[39]:
  1. Information Freedom:
    Information can be analysed as improvement in disclosure, citizens can put forward better views on the policies formulated by the Government and Government undertaken processes are conducted in a just manner.

    Privacy holds that information shared for a particular purpose must be utilised for the said purpose and if required to be utilised for a different purpose, then consent for the same is necessary.

    Modern measures adopted by the Government can however contradict itself with the traditionally existent measures and this is made effective by Right to Privacy which links personal power of the citizens who are in complete control of his/her data.
     
  2. Is the Right to Information in conflict with Right to Privacy:
    When the Government collects information from the citizens for different purposes like for tax evaluation, Identification Proofs, then if any citizen files for access to the records, then it is in contradiction with each other as the citizens' Right to Privacy is violated if Right to Information is followed.
     
  3. Analysis of Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act, 2005:
    If the information sought to be declared by the citizens cannot be disclosed because it affects the interests, security of the nation or for preserving confidential information that is sensitive, then the Personal Information is protected.
     
  4. Contradiction between Right to Information and Right to Personal Privacy:
    This contradiction tends to occur when a citizen seeks personal information relating to a third party. In this case, there is a clash and there exists a need to strike a common cord between the two. This came up as a major issue while framing Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act as disclosure can not be granted on the grounds of information of a personal nature being made known if it intrudes into the privacy of the individual.
     
In a complementary manner, it can be stated that Right to Privacy and Right to Information mutually enhance and provide access individually to personal information. The Rights are not considered to be distinct but form a part of complete development and information policy[40][41]. It is considered that the habeas data (Right to obtain Information) in the data bases can be in a way held accountable in many countries[42]. Laws of Privacy can be used for information if there is no Information Law and Information Law can be used to improve the existing privacy law.

Privacy of Information is essential as it allows for exercise of autonomy over people. Privacy and preservation of information is mandatory for its orientation towards achieving a better educated society. Person can enhance on the benefit of sharing limited to a particular sphere, without worrying on spread of the information.

Conflict between the Right of Information and Right of Privacy is said to be in question due to misunderstandings that ought to be protected.

Does Public interest triumph over Privacy:
In any given scenario and given case, it is popular subject matter that if it can be proved that the public interest succeeds the need for privacy, then information can be made available. Line can be drawn between private and public servants where public interest is of a higher degree in the latter.

When there is a clash between Right to Information and Right to Privacy, the former will prevail as it leans towards providing an interest to all and not individual interest.

A precedent in this regard includes Surup Singh Hrya Naik v. State of Maharashtra[43], where the Bombay High Court laid mechanisms to be met before the information can be made known regarding third party. It has stated that there always exists a clash between the individual who wants to keep his affairs secret and public who wants to be informed. It is contended by individuals that if the information is disclosed, it might lead to misuse, however if the information falls within the exemptions of the Right to Information Act then it will not be disclosed by the concerned authorities, so it can only be fair to say that only information that serves a larger public interest is disclosed and there is no point of contention of misuse made by the individuals.
The records of the public servant are those made in exercise of his administration of public affairs and hence it comes within the purview of public interest and not private interest.

The Relationship can also be analysed through the public interest of patients, and the secrecy around medical research and records. In Arjesh Kumar Madhok v. Centre for Fingerprinting and Diagnostics[44], the Central Information Commission upheld that the medical testing and the purpose and results were not to be disclosed under the Right to Information Act as personal details of medical records had no scope of public interest and also as it would cause breach of privacy of the individual. The people who want to access the information do not have public interest, but even if they have an honest right to know, the disclosure is not to be made.

If there is health and protection of individuals with risk of public involved, then there might be justification for invading the patient's privacy. If however a breach must take place, then the invasion must be limited. If for example, there is a need for communication of a person's disease which is communicable, then it must at the maximum be made known to the close family and not to the general public.

Patients who have no monetary basis, may seek treatment in government hospitals and not concentrate on right of privacy, owing to non-application of the Right to Information Act. There is a reason to now include those interests that are applicable beyond the health and protection of public. Medical Code of Ethics Regulations prescribes that confidentiality is to be maintained in regard of a patient and the doctor is not to disclose the condition of the patient unless in a court or when there is a risk to the entire community as a whole[45].

The Right to Information does not grant the right to plead for information about individuals that is within trust based, unless and until public interest overgrow the need for private interest of individuals. The extent of Right to Information depends on the public interest and as unwarranted invasion of privacy[46].

Aspects of Right to Information Act are in understanding with the values of safeguarding the aspect of privacy.

It is evident that now all Public Authorities' records must be disclosed for public interest. However the term public interest has a huge scope and thus, the concept of analysis would be whether Right to Information has a wider ambit or more capacity than that of Right to Privacy.

Relation Post Justice Puttaswamy Judgement:
The part of Personal Information is said to have a possibility of being affected as there have been different meanings assigned to the same. Justice Bobde has defined it in the context of state surveillance as it is the revelation of one's health, location etc to make sense of financial and personal well-being. Separate suggestions and recommendations by the Judges have agreed on the harmony between the Right to Information and Right to Privacy.

Justice Chandrachud opined that protection requires constitutional right to be implemented through the laws protected. Right to Information Act exempts that information which create intrusion into privacy of an individual. Justice Nariman observed that through Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 the Right of Privacy has been recognised by the Legislature.

In Bihar Public Service Commission v. Saiyed Hussain Abbas Rizwi[47], it has been held by Justice Kumar that public interest is the factor that must be kept in mind while striking the balance between Right to Information and Right to Privacy. Serving larger public interest is important especially when constitutional values are imparted.

The concept of public interest can be summed up as:
  1. Personal information must be analysed by way of public interest
  2. Personal Information must be such that the disclosure should not cause intrusion of privacy.
  3. Right to Privacy can be relaxed when a larger public interest is in question.

Right to Information and Right to Privacy are used to promote and provide the global mark of India and it is brought to the notice of the global forum that requirement of increasing sensitivity in access of records is a necessity to be uplifted today.

Dr. Manmohan Singh has expressed an opinion that there exists harmony between Right to Information and Right to Privacy and the point of conflict arises when there is no consensus on where to draw the line between the two rights[48].

Conclusion:
Right to Information provides access, while privacy curbs and covers it. Experience has been narrated to be that when it comes to enforcement of Right to Information Act, then there has been lacuna in its implementation and denial to disclose information is at its peak.

Predominance of Corruption and conflict of interest between both the citizens and public authorities may result in a chaotic understanding of the two and to establish Right to Information's relationship with right to Privacy.

As an individual with a complex society, it might not seem that a right to privacy and information is needed, however it is integral to a functioning society and it is that right that sets humans apart from what is called , a mere existence of an animal. However, it is a must say that the limits within which it is subjected to is made known to the same individuals to prevent misuse.
Every step while safeguarding privacy must be treaded carefully and with utmost precaution as a single mistake can put an end to million lives of the individuals affected.

Thus, the point of whether the rights can work in harmony or are always at loggerheads depends on the awareness of the State and its duty to codify laws and regulations that promote common understanding between the two.

End-Notes:
  1. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, 2017 (10) SCALE 1,2017 10 SCC 1, WP (C) No. 494/2012. Coram- Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice Abdul Nazeer, Justice S. Bobde, Justice Jasti Chelameswar, Justice Rohinton Nariman, Justice Abhay Sapre, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul.
  2. For Consolidation and Amendment of the Act in light of official secrets and access to citizens, see Official Secrets Act, 1923- Act No. 19 of 1923 passed on 2nd April 1923. Available at <https://indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/2379/1/A1923-19.pdf>. last accessed 11 May 2020.
  3. Right to Information Act, 2005 is applicable to Central, State Governments and Public Authorities. Public Authorities have been defined under Section 2(h) of the Aforesaid Act.
  4. For freedom of expression, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For International Standards on Right to Information, Mendel (2008) and Banisar (2006).
  5. Right to Information is �Requisite for the very exercise of democracy�, OAS 2003. In 2006, Inter- American Court of Human Rights held that State's actions are governed by disclosure policy.
  6. For aspects of the working and establishment of Right to Information see <https://cic.gov.in/sites/default/files/Internship%20Research%20Paper-%20Vratika%20Phogat.pdf>. last accessed- 12 May 2020
  7. Right to Information in Consonance with Right to Privacy by Vratika Phogat. Last accessed- 12 May 2020.
  8. Section 2(f) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
  9. See Section 2(j) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
  10. Section 2(5)(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
  11. Pritam Rooj v. University of Calcutta AIR 2008 Calcutta 118, WP No. 22176 of 2007
  12. Bennett Coleman v. Union of India, AIR 1973 SC 106.
  13. People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India, 2003 SCW 2353 SC
  14. SP Gupta v. Union of India, AIR 1982 SC 149.
  15. State of Uttar Pradesh v. Raj Narain AIR 1975 SC 865
  16. Indian Express Newspapers v. Union of India, 1985 1 SCC 641
  17. Secretary General, Supreme Court of India v. Subhash Chandra Agarwal, High Court of Delhi LPA No. 501/2009
  18. Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 relates to information of personal nature does not warrant for disclosure unless there is a greater public interest involved.
  19. For the analysis and source of Benefits, see Implementation of Right to Information and Impact on Administration. Research Report submitted to Department of Personnel and training- RTI Fellowship Report, 2015 by Dharanesha ST. last accessed- 12 May 2020
  20. Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
  21. Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (16 December 1966)
  22. Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (signed- 4 November 1950)
  23. For evolution of Right to Privacy in India <http://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-276-evolution-of-right-to-privacy-in-india.html>. Last accessed- 13 May 2020
  24. Kharak Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, 1963 AIR 1295, 1964 SCR (1) 332
  25. Govind v. State of Madhya Pradesh, AIR 1975 SC 1378, (1975) 2 SCC 148.
  26. For Aspects of Privacy and Intrusion Precedents, see <http://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-676-legal-analysis-of-right-to-privacy-in-india.html>. last accessed- 13 May 2020.
  27. Rajagopal v. State of Tamil Nadu, 1995 AIR 264, 1994 SCC (6) 632
  28. Supra Note 1.
  29. Selvi v. State of Karnataka, (2010) 7 SCC 263.
  30. People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India, AIR 2003 SC 2363.
  31. Sharda v. Rampal, 2003 4 SCC 493
  32. State of Maharashtra v. Madhukar Narayan Mardikar , 1991 1 SCC 57
  33. Ram Jethmalani v. Union of India , 2011 8 SCC 1
  34. Unique Identification authority of India v. Central Bureau of Investigation, SLP (CRL) No. 2524/2014
  35. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/right-to-privacy-fundamental-right-parliament-1031136-2017-08-24. Originally published by Prabash K Dutta on August 24, 2017. Last accessed- 13 May 2020
  36. For Right to Privacy and relation to Right to be Forgotten see <http://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-276-evolution-of-right-to-privacy-in-india.html> by Shubham. Last accessed- 13 May 2020.
  37. For Finding the right balance between Right to Privacy and Right to Information, see <https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/6tqMxfqtGJyCqTyuKT6PhK/Opinion--The-right-to-privacy-vs-right-to-information.html> by Siddharth Sonkar. Last accessed- 13 May 2020.
  38. For Access to Information and protection of Privacy, see <http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/847541468188048435/pdf/80740-Right-to-Information-and-Privacy-Box-377336B-PUBLIC.pdf>. Last accessed- 13 May 2020.
  39. For information on Right to Information vis-�-vis Right to Privacy, see <http://blog.onlinerti.com/2015/01/04/right-to-information-vis-a-vis-right-to-privacy/> by Kush Kalra. Last accessed- 12 May 2020.
  40. Council of Europe- 1986 Recommendation.
  41. For Statement made, also see Laszlo Majtenyiin 2002, who was the First Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information in Hungary.
  42. Statement made by Santiago Canton, the First Organisation of American States rapporteur for Freedom of Expression and executive secretary of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
  43. Surup Singh Hrya Naik v. State of Maharashtra, AIR 2007 Bom.121
  44. Arjesh Kumar Madhok v. Centre for Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Appeal No. CIC/WB/A/2007/00008. 2007 Jan 4.
  45. Medical Council of India. Code of Ethics 2002, Published in Part III, Section 4 of the Gazette of India.
  46. Privacy and Right to Information Act, 2005 by NN Mishra, Lisa parker, Nimgaonkar, Deshpande at <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5473905/#R8>. Last accessed on 13 May 2020
  47. Bihar Public Service Commission v. Saiyed Hussain Abbas Rizwi, Civil Appeal No. 9052 of 2012
  48. RTI should be circumscribed if it encroaches privacy. See Times of India on 12 October 2012. Last accessed 13 May 2020.
Written By: V. Krishna Laasya, B. Com. LL. B (Hons.), School of Excellence in Law, Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University

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