The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act’s recent amendments have once again sparked a fierce debate over their clash with the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Critics—including the Opposition, RTI activists, and transparency advocates—warn that Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act effectively repeals the public-interest override in Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. Previously, personal information could be disclosed under RTI if it served a larger public interest. Under the new amendment, however, all personal data is categorically exempt, even when it pertains to public personas or questions of misuse, corruption, or public accountability .

Civil society groups like NCPRI and the INDIA bloc have urged repeal of Section 44(3), warning that it transforms RTI from a tool of transparency into a “bureaucratic fortress” and undermines social audits, anti-corruption efforts, and journalistic scrutiny . Their concern is heightened by recent court battles, such as over Delhi University records and SEBI appointments, where previously disclosable personal details were withheld citing privacy . The government, led by Minister Vaishnaw, maintains this amendment realigns RTI provisions to respect individual privacy, claiming it does not obstruct legally mandated disclosures . However, transparency advocates see a deliberate weakening of India’s accountability architecture.

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