Secrets Act to be made a little less secretive

Prior sanction for prosecution, law to be in tune with RTI: proposed changes

A N inter-ministerial group has proposed that the 1923 Official Se crets Act (OSA) be amended to not only bring it in conformity with the transparency regime ushered in by the Right to Information Act but also ensure that "prior sanction" is obtained from the Home Ministry before prosecution of an OSA accused.

These amendments are being finalised after consultations of an Inter Ministerial Group (IMG) set up by the Home Ministry which includes members from the Law Ministry, the Intelligence Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation and Delhi Police.

The group is understood to have unanimously decided against repealing the OSA and instead making significant amendments, including to Section 5 of the Act which contains sweeping generalities on what may comprise an "official secret."

To read the complete article click here..
To read the complete e-paper click here: epaper.indianexpress.com
Image and Article source: Indian Express
Article taken from the issue: 18 Jan 2008