Comprehension:

James Madison gave eloquent expression to the urgent need for popular information in a democracy. During colonial rule, the administrative culture had been basically inward-looking, people avoiding and secret practicing. The right to information of a product of both institutions and culture. Under popular pressure and contemporary democratization movement throughout the world, openness and transparency in governmental operations have become quite trendy in recent times. Right to information laws are being enacted in many countries. Sweden adopted freedom of the Press Act in 1766. United States passed the Freedom of Information Act, 1966. In France, freedom of information and accountability of public servants are an integral part of constitution rights. The freedom of information law in Japan came into effect in 2001, allowing access to administrative documents held by administrative agencies in electronic or printed form.

In Germany, the federal government passed a freedom of information law in 2005. Six Bundeslander (provincial governments) have also own separate law on the subject. The Supreme Court of India, in the State of Uttar Pradesh vs. Raj Narain case observed that the right to information is implied in the right to freedom of speech. In 1997, India set up a working Group on Right to Information and Promotion of Open and Transparent Government. In 2005, Right to Information Act was passed in India to provide citizen secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability.