Right to Know as a component of Freedom of Speech and Expression

I. INTRODUCTION
The Right to Freedom of Speech and
expression under Article 19 (1) (a) is an
inalienable right of every citizen of the country;
however the right is not absolute and subject
to certain limitations. This right is enjoyed
exclusively by the citizens i.e., natural persons of
the country. Through this Article the framers of
the Constitution have intended to provide some
basic imperative value of a democratic secular
polity, equal freedom for individual fulfillment,
attainment of truth, participation in political
and ideological debate, decision making and
providing opportunities of free discussions and
exchange of opinions. This freedom is paramount
for smooth functioning of a democratic process.
In a country like India, the Right to information
is considered as the groundwork of free
speech and expression because every person is
entitle to know the activities of the State, the
instrumentalities and the agency of the State. In
modern world, the government does not have the
privilege of secrecy which has existed in ancient
times. Now the government and its agencies
are bound to disclose facts to the citizens of the
country and in almost every country right to
information have been made a basic fundamental
right.2