The Right to Information Act, 2005 was passed after a long and arduous process involving various stakeholders and extensive discussions. It was enacted by the Parliament of India with the aim of promoting transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government.

Background:
Before the passage of the Right to Information Act, there was no comprehensive legislation in India that guaranteed access to information held by public authorities. The need for such a law was felt to ensure transparency, empower citizens, and curb corruption.

The Process:
The passage of the Right to Information Act, 2005 involved several significant steps:

1. Civil Society Movements: Various civil society organizations and activists campaigned for the enactment of a comprehensive right to information law. They highlighted the importance of transparency in governance and the need to empower citizens with the right to access information.

2. Recommendations by Administrative Reforms Commission: The Administrative Reforms Commission, headed by M. Veerappa Moily, recommended the enactment of a comprehensive right to information law in its report submitted to the government in 2005. This report played a crucial role in shaping the final legislation.

3. Preparation of Draft: The government prepared a draft of the Right to Information Bill that incorporated the recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commission. This draft was then circulated among various stakeholders for feedback and suggestions.

4. Parliamentary Deliberations: The draft bill was introduced in the Parliament and underwent rigorous deliberations, discussions, and amendments. Members of Parliament from different political parties actively participated in these discussions, ensuring diverse perspectives were taken into account.

5. Consultations with State Governments: The central government also consulted with state governments to ensure a uniform and harmonized approach towards the right to information. Their inputs and feedback were considered while finalizing the legislation.

6. Passage and Enactment: After considering the recommendations and feedback, the Right to Information Act, 2005 was finally passed by both houses of Parliament. It received the President's assent and came into force on October 12, 2005.

Key Features:
The Right to Information Act, 2005 has several key features that contribute to its effectiveness and impact:

- It applies to all public authorities, including the government, public sector undertakings, and non-governmental organizations that receive substantial funding from the government.
- It establishes a clear and streamlined process for citizens to request information and receive responses within a specified time frame.
- It imposes penalties on public officials who fail to provide information or provide false information.
- It promotes proactive disclosure of information by public authorities, ensuring transparency even without specific requests.
- It establishes independent Information Commissions at the central and state levels to adjudicate on appeals and monitor the implementation of the Act.

Conclusion:
The passing of the Right to Information Act, 2005 marked a significant milestone in India's journey towards transparency and accountability in governance. It was the culmination of persistent efforts by civil society organizations, recommendations by the Administrative Reforms Commission, and extensive parliamentary deliberations. The Act has empowered citizens to seek information, hold public authorities accountable, and contribute to a more transparent and participatory democracy.