Right Information Act 2025
1. What is the Right to Information Act?
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is a law enacted in India to enable citizens to access information from government and public sector institutions, and to ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities.
2. Key Dates:
- Passed by Parliament: June 15, 2005
- Came into force (Enacted): October 12, 2005 (Applicable across all of India back then, except Jammu and Kashmir. Following the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, it is now applicable to the whole of India, including Jammu and Kashmir).
3. Main Objectives of the Act:
- Bring transparency and accountability in government operations.
- Prevent corruption.
- Empower the citizens.
4. What is "Information"?
Records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form, and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force all fall under the scope of "information."
5. How to Submit an Application:
- An application can be submitted on plain paper or online to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) along with the application fee (typically ₹10 at the state level).
- Persons belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories are exempt from paying the fee.
6. Time Limit to Receive a Reply:
- Under normal circumstances: Within 30 days of receiving the application.
- If the matter concerns a person's life or liberty: Within 48 hours.
7. Appeal Provisions:
- If a reply is not received within the stipulated time, or if the provided response is unsatisfactory, an appeal can be filed with the senior officer within the same institution (First Appellate Authority) within 30 days from the date of receipt of the reply/expiry of the time limit.
- If justice is not served there either, a second appeal can be filed with the State/Central Information Commission.
