Understanding the Right to Information (RTI) Act in India: A
Comprehensive Guide
Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of a democratic
society. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, empowers Indian citizens
to request information from public authorities, ensuring greater transparency
in governance. This article provides a detailed overview of RTI, how to file
an application, associated costs, and key provisions.
What is RTI?
The RTI Act, 2005, was enacted to promote transparency and accountability
in the functioning of public authorities. Under this law, any citizen of India
can request information from government departments, and they are legally
bound to reply within a specified time frame.
How to File an RTI Application
Filing an RTI application is a straightforward process:
1. Drafting the Application:
o Write the application in English, Hindi, or the official language of
the region.
o Address it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned
department.
o Clearly mention your questions, avoiding ambiguity.
2. Modes of Submission:
o Offline: Submit the application by post or in person.
o Online: Use the government portal (https://rtionline.gov.in/) for
central government departments.
3. Details to Include:
o Applicant's name, contact details, and address.
o Specific information sought.
o Declaration of being an Indian citizen.
Cost of Filing RTI
• Application Fee: Rs. 10 for most public authorities.
• Additional Charges: Rs. 2 per page for information printed or
photocopied.
• Modes of Payment:
o Postal Order: One of the most common ways.
o Demand Draft/Banker's Cheque: Payable to the Accounts Officer.
o Online Payment: Available for central government departments.
Key Sections of the RTI Act
• Section 4: Obligation of public authorities to maintain records.
• Section 6: Procedure for requesting information.
• Section 7: Time frame for providing information (30 days).
• Section 8: Exemptions from disclosure.
• Section 19: Appeal provisions.
Difference Between SIC and CIC
State Information Central Information
Commission (SIC) Commission (CIC)
Handles RTI appeals and Handles RTI appeals for
complaints for state central government
government bodies. bodies.
Governed by the respective Governed by the RTI Act,
state's RTI rules. 2005.
Located in the capital of each
Located in New Delhi.
state.
Validity of RTI
• RTI applications do not have an expiration date until the information is
provided or the matter is resolved.
• Once information is provided or rejected, the applicant has 30 days to file
a first appeal.
How Advocates Can Use RTI
For legal professionals, the RTI Act can be a powerful tool to strengthen
cases by accessing crucial government records. Advocates can leverage RTI
to:
• Gather Evidence: Obtain official documents, reports, and records to
support legal arguments.
• Expose Corruption: Acquire information that reveals administrative
malpractices or misuse of public funds.
• Ensure Accountability: Hold public officials accountable by seeking
explanations for delays or policy implementations.
• Aid in Matrimonial and Criminal Cases: Collect evidence related to
property records, police reports, and procedural lapses.
By strategically utilizing RTI, advocates can uncover facts that are otherwise
difficult to obtain, ensuring a stronger and more transparent case.
Sample RTI Application
To,
The Public Information Officer,
[Department Name],
[Office Address]
Subject: Request for Information under RTI Act, 2005
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Full Name], resident of [Your Address], hereby request the following
information under the Right to Information Act, 2005:
1. [Question 1]
2. [Question 2]
I have enclosed the application fee of Rs. 10 through [Postal Order/Demand
Draft/Online Payment]. I request you to kindly provide the information
within the stipulated time frame.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Signature]
[Date]
The RTI Act is a powerful tool that enables citizens to participate actively in
the governance process. Understanding how to file an application and the
associated legal framework ensures that transparency and accountability are
upheld in public offices.
This article is for educational purposes and is written by
Advocate Noorali Anwar Ladhani.
You are encouraged to like, comment, and repost. If you choose to copy
or reference this article, proper credit to the author would be greatly
appreciated.
