Swaraj Abhiyan hits out at lawmakers for terming RTIs, PILs a

Attacking lawmakers for terming RTIs and PILs as a "big problem" for the country, Swaraj Abhiyan today said it is nothing but an attempt to escape transparency and accountability.
"It is shocking that our Members of Parliament find RTI obtrusive in functioning of a democracy. Even more shocking is that parliamentarians of the Upper House look at the common man (chaiwala, paanwala) with disdain, almost mocking the interest or inquiry in the functioning of the executive.
"To see the parliamentarians question its rationale and mock the common people (chaiwala, paanwala), who seek information, is an effort to escape transparency and accountability. Swaraj Abhiyan condemns this in strongest possible words," Swaraj Abhiyan, led by Yogendra Yadav and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan, said in a post on social media.

The post said right from the Indira Gandhi Vs Raj Narain case in 1974, the Supreme Court of India has reiterated in many cases that "RTI is a fundamental right".
"The Act - implemented after a long movement and constant struggle of activists who continue to be targeted by the establishment even today - has been a potent instrument in exposing corruption and a building block of a progressive and transparent India," the post added.
Members in Rajya Sabha today termed RTIs and PILs as a "big problem" for the country, with Samajwadi Party member Naresh Agrawal alleging that Right to Information (RTI) Act was passed "under US pressure".

Calling it a law "passed in a hurry", Praful Patel (NCP) said that there is no locus of people seeking answers under RTI. "Some 'panwadi' (betel leaf seller) or 'chaiwala' (tea vendor) can also ask who made a missile programme or anything on international relations," he said.