At least four petitions are scheduled to be heard on March 23, targeting amendments linked to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act that critics say weaken the country’s two-decade-old Right to Information framework.

The dispute centers on a provision excluding “personal information” from disclosure under the Right to Information Act. Previously, such information could be released if it served the public interest.

Petitioners argue the change could allow authorities to withhold key data, including details about public spending or officials involved in controversial projects, thereby undermining accountability.

Anjali Bhardwaj said the amendment could enable the government to block disclosure of information critical to public scrutiny, while activist Venkatesh Nayak described the move in court filings as a “death knell for participatory democracy.”

The government of Narendra Modi has rejected allegations that it is curbing transparency, saying the law maintains a balance between privacy rights and access to information.

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told parliament the changes would “not restrict the disclosure of personal information” and adhere to the principle of “maximum disclosure and minimum exemptions.

”Officials have also denied broader accusations of suppressing dissent, stating that content removal orders are limited to unlawful material.

The controversy comes amid wider scrutiny of India’s transparency framework. The country’s position in a global ranking by the Centre for Law and Democracy has fallen from second place in 2013 to ninth, with researchers citing expanding exemptions under the RTI regime.

Journalists and civil society groups have expressed concern that the amended law, combined with stricter digital regulations, could affect investigative reporting and access to public-interest information.

The privacy legislation also introduces significant financial penalties for non-compliance by technology companies, adding another layer of regulatory oversight in India’s digital ecosystem.

Rodríguez announced the changes in a social media post, describing the appointments as a “renewed Military High Command,” a day after dismissing the long-serving defense minister and installing a former intelligence chief in his place.

The move marks one of the most significant restructurings of Venezuela’s armed forces since the leadership transition.The reshuffle follows the removal of the defense minister, a close ally of Maduro who had remained a key figure within the military establishment.

His replacement, a former intelligence official, is part of Rodríguez’s broader effort to consolidate control over the security apparatus.

Analysts say the changes reflect an attempt to rebuild authority within the armed forces after criticism of the previous command structure, particularly following the U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s capture in January.

Financial TimesThe military, which has pledged loyalty to Rodríguez, remains a central pillar of governance in Venezuela, overseeing sectors including oil, mining, food distribution and key administrative functions.

Rodríguez, who previously served as vice president under Maduro, is navigating competing pressures from Washington and domestic political factions. The United States has exerted influence over policy direction, including economic reforms and access to Venezuela’s natural resources.

She has introduced an amnesty law to release political prisoners and moved to reform oil and mining regulations in line with U.S. expectations, while also managing a fragile domestic environment marked by economic hardship and shortages of basic goods.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said Washington is closely involved in Venezuela’s transition, while allowing Rodríguez to remain in power conditional on cooperation with U.S. objectives.

Rodríguez faces the challenge of maintaining support among Venezuelans loyal to Maduro while advancing reforms under international scrutiny. Maduro, detained following the U.S. operation, has been taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

The military’s expanded role in economic and administrative sectors has drawn criticism over alleged corruption and abuses, complicating efforts to stabilize the country as it navigates a period of political transition.

The latest restructuring underscores the importance of military alignment in Venezuela’s evolving power dynamics, as Rodríguez seeks to secure her position amid ongoing geopolitical pressure and internal uncertainty.