The Limits of Accountability in A Democracy: A Study of India's Right to Information Act

Abstract

The dissertation explores the limits of accountability within a democratic framework, specifically through an in-depth analysis of India’s Right to Information (RTI) Act. Since its inception, the RTI has been hailed as a transformative tool for promoting government transparency and accountability. However, the Act has faced criticisms for its bureaucratic nature, which some argue aligns it with neoliberal governance ideals—prioritizing efficiency and transparency at the cost of deeper political engagement and social justice. The research juxtaposes two main perspectives: RTI as a rational-legal, technocratic tool, and RTI as a catalyst for political mobilization and civil society activism, especially among marginalized groups. By evaluating the interplay between these contrasting views, the study investigates how RTI both shapes and is shaped by political action. Civil society’s role in navigating bureaucratic hurdles to democratize access to information is pivotal in the ongoing debate about the RTI’s democratic potential. The research uses interviews with RTI activists and examines case studies from grassroots civil society movements that utilize RTI in anti-corruption campaigns, revealing both its limitations and transformative possibilities. While the RTI has empowered certain sectors of the population—primarily educated, urban middle-classes—its bureaucratic and technical nature has hindered its accessibility for disadvantaged groups. The study assesses how civil society actors help mitigate these barriers by providing assistance and fostering collective action to challenge state opacity. Ultimately, the dissertation argues that while the RTI's bureaucratic structure presents limitations, its connection to civil society movements offers a path towards a more inclusive and politically engaged form of accountability, thereby deepening democracy.