Request a call back

Join NOW to get access to exclusive study material for best results

Things you Must Know about the Right to Information Act

Here are some important facts which you must know about the Right to Information (RTI) Act:

What is the Right to Information Act?

The RTI Act aims at helping citizens to exercise their right to information in a proper way. The Act empowers citizens to attain government information. It promotes transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. The law was passed by the Parliament on 15 June 2005 and came into force on 12 October 2005.

 

Image source: alchanditi.com

Reachability

The RTI Act extends to the whole of India except Jammu and Kashmir. In Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K RTI Act is in force. 

Things to Keep in Mind while Filing an RTI Application

-Name, address and contact details

-Address your application to the Public Information Officer (PIO). Do not address the PIO by name as PIOs get transferred regularly.

-Indian Postal Order of Rupees 10

-Court fee stamp (Only in some states)

-Money orders (Only in some states)

Payment

You can pay your application fee by cash, cheque/demand draft.

Frame your Question Properly

Vague questions can lead to rejection of your application. Be very specific and ask to-the-point questions. It is not necessary to give reason to ask your question. There is no restriction on the number of questions which can be asked in one application.

Time Limit

-After the application requesting the right to information has been made, the PIO has to reply within 30 days of receipt.

-If the request has been made to an APIO, the reply is to be given within 35 days of receipt.

-In case the request is transferred by the PIO to another public authority, the time allowed to reply is 30 days.

Information is Denied in the Following Cases

-If the information demanded concerns corruption and human rights violations by scheduled security agencies, the reply has to be given within 45 days with the prior approval of the Central Information Commission.

-In case of life or liberty of any person, the PIO has to reply within 48 hours.

-If the disclosure of information can affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the application will be denied.

-Any information which has been forbidden to be published by any court of law shall not be disclosed.

-Information disclosure which can cause a breach of privilege of the Parliament or State Legislature will be denied.

-Trade secrets or information related to intellectual property can be denied as the disclosure can harm the competitive position of a third party.

-Confidential information received from a foreign government cannot be disclosed.

-Any information which can endanger the life or safety of any person shall be denied.

Previous
Next
Get Latest Study Material for Academic year 24-25 Click here
×