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The RTI Act, 2005 gives Indian citizens the legal right to request information from public authorities. It mandates timely responses from government a

Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005

Introduction

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is a landmark legislation in India that empowers citizens to access information from government bodies. Enacted on 12th October 2005, the RTI Act promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance by making government actions more accessible to the public.

What is the Right to Information Act, 2005?

The RTI Act, 2005 gives Indian citizens the legal right to request information from public authorities. It mandates timely responses from government agencies, helping to curb corruption and ensure transparency.

Under this Act, any citizen can file an RTI application with a public authority to seek information related to government decisions, policies, and expenditures, except for matters concerning national security and personal privacy.

RTI Bare Act

THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Last Updated: 17-5-2021

CHAPTER I

PRELIMINARY

SECTIONS
Section 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
Section 2. Definitions.

CHAPTER II

RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND OBLIGATIONS OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES

Section 3. Right to information.
Section 4. Obligations of public authorities.
Section 5. Designation of Public Information Officers.
Section 6. Request for obtaining information.
Section 7. Disposal of request.
Section 8. Exemption from disclosure of information.
Section 9. Grounds for rejection to access in certain cases.
Section 10. Severability.
Section 11. Third party information.

CHAPTER III

THE CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION

Section 12. Constitution of Central Information Commission.
Section 13. Terms of office and conditions of service.
Section 14. Removal of Chief Information Commissioner or Information Commissioner.

CHAPTER IV

THE STATE INFORMATION COMMISSION

Section 15. Constitution of State Information Commission.
Section 16. Term of office and conditions of service.
Section 17. Removal of State Chief Information Commissioner or State Information Commissioner.

CHAPTER V

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONS, APPEAL AND PENALTIES

Section 18. Powers and functions of Information Commissions.

SECTIONS
Section 19. Appeal.
Section 20. Penalties.

CHAPTER VI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 21. Protection of action taken in good faith.
Section 22. Act to have overriding effect.
Section 23. Bar of jurisdiction of courts.
Section 24. Act not to apply to certain organisations.
Section 25. Monitoring and reporting.
Section 26. Appropriate Government to prepare programmes.
Section 27. Power to make rules by appropriate Government.
Section 28. Power to make rules by competent authority.
Section 29. Laying of rules.
Section 30. Power to remove difficulties.
Section 31. Repeal.

THE FIRST SCHEDULE.
THE SECOND SCHEDULE.

Download RTI Bare Act Pdf

If you are looking to download RTI Bare Act PDF, you can access it from official government websites or legal resources. The Right to Information Act, 2005 empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, ensuring transparency. Many websites provide free options to download RTI Bare Act PDF for reference and legal use. This document includes all sections related to RTI, obligations of public authorities, appeals, and penalties. Whether you're a student, lawyer, or researcher, having the RTI Bare Act PDF can help you understand your rights better. Always refer to authentic sources for the latest version.

Download Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 Bare Act

Objectives of the RTI Act

1. Promote Transparency – Ensure openness in government processes.

2. Encourage Accountability – Hold public officials responsible for their actions.

3. Empower Citizens – Strengthen democracy by providing access to information.

4. Curb Corruption – Reduce unethical practices in government offices.

5. Enhance Public Participation – Involve citizens in governance and policymaking.

Key Provisions of the RTI Act, 2005

1. Right to Information – Citizens can request information from any public authority.

2. Obligation of Public Authorities – Government bodies must proactively disclose certain information.

3. Time Frame for Response – Information must be provided within 30 days (or 48 hours in urgent cases).

4. Appointment of Public Information Officers (PIOs) – Every department must designate PIOs to handle RTI requests.

5. Exemptions from Disclosure – Information related to national security, sovereignty, intelligence agencies, and personal matters is exempt.

6. Central and State Information Commissions – These commissions handle appeals and complaints related to RTI requests.

7. Penalty for Non-Compliance – Government officials can be fined for not responding to RTI applications.

How to File an RTI Application?

Step 1: Identify the Public Authority

• Determine which government department holds the required information.

Step 2: Write the RTI Application

• Draft an application in English, Hindi, or the official language of the state.

• Clearly mention the questions and details required.

Step 3: Submit the RTI Application

• Submit the application via post, online portal, or in-person.

• Pay the Rs. 10 application fee (varies for different states).

Step 4: Wait for a Response

• Authorities must reply within 30 days; otherwise, an appeal can be filed.

Who is Covered Under RTI?

• Central and State Governments

• Municipal Corporations and Panchayats

• Government Departments (e.g., Railways, Health, Education, etc.)

• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)

• Government-funded NGOs

• Judiciary (except confidential matters)

Who is Exempt from RTI?

• Intelligence and Security Agencies (e.g., RAW, IB, CBI, NIA, etc.)

• Matters of National Security

• Personal Information (unless related to public interest)

• Cabinet Papers Before Decisions Are Made

Impact of the RTI Act, 2005

1. Increased Transparency – Citizens can now scrutinize government policies and expenditures.

2. Reduced Corruption – RTI has exposed several scams and irregularities.

3. Better Governance – Encourages efficiency and responsiveness in public administration.

4. Empowerment of Citizens – Provides a tool to demand accountability from officials.

5. Greater Media Freedom – Journalists use RTI to uncover crucial information.

Challenges in Implementation

1. Delays in Responses – Authorities often delay responses, making the process inefficient.

2. Lack of Awareness – Many citizens are unaware of how to use RTI effectively.

3. Harassment of RTI Activists – Whistleblowers and activists face threats for exposing corruption.

4. Overburdened Information Commissions – The appeal process is slow due to a large backlog of cases.

5. Frequent Amendments – Some amendments dilute the power of RTI (e.g., changes in tenure of Information Commissioners).

Landmark RTI Cases in India

1. Adarsh Housing Scam (2010) – RTI revealed illegal allotment of apartments to politicians and bureaucrats.

2. 2G Spectrum Scam (2008) – RTI disclosures helped expose the massive telecom scandal.

3. Commonwealth Games Scam (2010) – Corruption in funds allocation was uncovered through RTI.

4. Vyapam Scam (2013) – RTI inquiries revealed irregularities in recruitment exams in Madhya Pradesh.

5. Dabhol Power Project (2005) – RTI exposed financial irregularities in Maharashtra’s power sector.

Recent Developments in RTI

• RTI Amendment Act, 2019: Changed the tenure and salaries of Information Commissioners, raising concerns over independence.

• Online RTI Portals: Many states and central departments now accept RTI applications online.

• Use of AI & Technology: Some agencies use AI for faster responses to RTI queries.

Conclusion

The Right to Information Act, 2005 is a powerful tool that ensures transparency, promotes good governance, and empowers citizens. However, its effectiveness depends on public awareness, strict enforcement, and protection of RTI activists. Despite challenges, RTI remains a crucial instrument for accountability and democracy in India.

Call to Action:

If you want to make the government accountable, use your Right to Information wisely! You can file an RTI today and contribute to a transparent India.