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Abstract
An essential step in ensuring transparency and accountability in government systems and processes is Citizen’s Access to Information. It includes the right to know and to be known and the right to impart and receive information regarding the functioning of the government and the state machineries. In modern constitutional democracy, it is axiomatic that the citizens have a right to know about the affairs of, government which having being elected by them, seek to formulate sound policies of Governance aimed at their welfare. The Right to Information generally understood as the right to access information held by public authorities is not just a necessity of the citizens but it is a precondition to good governance. During the last decade, it empowered public to get information from the State. As emphasized by the National Commission to Review the Working of Constitution under the chairmanship of Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah the much of the common man’s distress and helplessness is because of his ignorance of decision making process. The report has exhorted government to assume a major responsibility and mobilize skills to ensure flow of information to citizens. In this background, this paper makes an attempt to trace the historical background and evolution of right to information in India and other countries. It examines efficacy of regulatory framework related to right to information in India. It also highlights the contribution and role of the Supreme Court of India to felicitate the proper and effective implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in India.