Question

Which of the following Acts override the Official Secrets Act, 1923?

• A. Right to Education Act
• B. Indian Overseas Act
• C. Indian Penal Code
• D. Right to Information Act

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The Right to Information Act, 2005 allows citizens to request information from public authorities, thereby overriding the secrecy provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.

Answer 2

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 overrides the Official Secrets Act, 1923 in certain circumstances. The RTI Act empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, which increases transparency and accountability in government functioning. However, the Official Secrets Act, 1923, was enacted to protect government secrets related to national security, defense, and diplomacy.

The RTI Act provides that information relating to government functioning can be disclosed unless it pertains to matters that affect national security, defense, or similar sensitive areas, which are covered by the Official Secrets Act. This means the RTI Act provides a legal mechanism for citizens to request information, subject to restrictions for security-related matters.

• Right to Education Act (A): This Act deals with the provision of free and compulsory education for children, not related to overriding the Official Secrets Act.
• Indian Overseas Act (B): There is no such specific Act that overrides the Official Secrets Act.
• Indian Penal Code (C): The IPC deals with criminal law in India but does not override the Official Secrets Act.

Therefore, the Right to Information Act is the correct answer.