Reviewed case brief

State of UP v. Raj Narain

AIR 1975 SC 865

Established that in a democracy, people have the right to know how their government functions. Government cannot claim blanket secrecy — each claim of privilege must be specifically justified.

administrative-lawright-to-informationopen-governmentexecutive-privilegeart-19
Court
Supreme Court of India
Year
1975
Subjects
Administrative Law
Reviewed
2026-06-30

Rule established

Right to know is implicit in Art.19(1)(a); open government is foundational to democracy; government cannot claim blanket secrecy over its functioning

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        Massey, Administrative Law; Sathe, Administrative Law

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.