In 2005, the Indian Parliament passed the Right to Information Act gives citizens access to India's central, regional and local government records. In accordance with the provisions of the law, citizens have the opportunity to request information on official action by any public authority. Officials who refuse or delay requests are responsible through fines or disciplinary action. Many people and organizations have been involved in a long and difficult process of getting this law into effect. This case deals with one of these individuals, Aruna Roy, according to many observers, who played a key role in empowering citizens to exercise democratic rights that their governments transparent and accountable. He traces its background and the problems it faced in the development of its commitment to improving the lives of the poor and disadvantaged. HKS Case Number 1929.0 "Hide
by Pratibha Krishnamurthy, Kenneth Winston 21 pages. Publication Date: July 28, 2010. Prod. #: HKS128-PDF-ENG