Information is a crucial element of power and empowerment in a democratic country. The colonial legacy of secrecy has led to a lack of access to information, increasing the risk of bureaucrats abusing power. Enhanced public awareness fosters vigilance and a dynamic democracy. The right to information is an invincible weapon, and in the modern age, countries are striving for more information. Information-rich countries dominate, while those information-starved lag behind. Physical and economic sources of power are being superseded by informational power. A strong country’s indicators are not military force or economic wealth, but its level of governance. Key principles of successful governance include transparency, inclusivity, responsibility, efficiency and consistency. Access to government information is essential for democratic participation and enabling public monitoring of government authority. In this context, this book on the Right to Information (RTI) and Official Secret Act evaluates the dimensions of the right to information in international and national perspectives, particularly in a democratic environment. It traces the historical evolution of the right to information, highlights its position in Indian laws and international documents, and evaluates judicial attitudes. The book also examines the laws enabling secrecy, comparative positions in other countries and suggestions for improving the legal framework. It primarily focuses on the doctrine of secrecy and relies on a critical examination of both primary and secondary sources. The book is divided into eight chapters. more...