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Court Procedure & Legal Drafting

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Want information from government? File an RTI!

Right to Information Act, 2005 empowers every Indian citizen to question the government and get information. It's your fundamental right. Let's learn how to use this powerful tool.

What is RTI?

Right to Information (RTI) = Legal right to access information held by government and public authorities.

Enacted: 2005Applies to: Central and State governments, public sector undertakings, bodies controlled/funded by government

Purpose:

  • Transparency in governance

  • Accountability of public officials

  • Reduce corruption

  • Empower citizens

What Information Can You Get Through RTI?

You can ask about:

✓ Government files, documents, records✓ Policies, rules, regulations✓ Details of government schemes✓ Expenditure on projects✓ Salaries of government employees✓ Tenders, contracts✓ Land records✓ Police files (non-confidential)✓ Municipal corporation records✓ School/college information (government)✓ Hospital records (government)✓ Government orders✓ Inspection reports✓ Any information held by public authority

Basically: Any information (except exempted) held by government!

Who Can File RTI?

✓ Any Indian citizen✓ Age: No minimum age✓ No need to give reason for seeking information✓ Can be filed individually or jointly

Cannot file:

  • Non-citizens/foreigners

  • Companies (only individuals)

Exemptions – Information You CANNOT Get:

Under Section 8 & 9 RTI Act:

❌ National security matters❌ Intelligence agencies (IB, RAW) – Some exemption❌ Information affecting relations with foreign states❌ Cabinet papers (until decision taken)❌ Personal information (others' private details)❌ Commercial secrets❌ Information leading to breach of privilege of legislature❌ Premature disclosure harming investigation❌ Intellectual property harm❌ Court contempt❌ Information available to person in fiduciary relationship

But: Exemptions have exceptions! Even exempt info disclosed if "public interest" outweighs harm.

Tip: If unsure, file RTI anyway. Authority will decide if exempt.

How to File RTI – Step by Step:

Step 1: Identify Correct Public Authority

Find which department/office has the information.

Examples:

  • Ration card info → Food & Civil Supplies Department

  • Property tax → Municipal Corporation

  • Income tax info → Income Tax Department

  • School records → Education Department/School

  • Police complaints → Police Station/Commissioner

  • Land records → Revenue Department

How to find:

  • Google search

  • Government directory

  • RTI portal

Step 2: Identify Public Information Officer (PIO)

Every public authority has designated PIO.

PIO's job: Provide information

Find PIO details:

Step 3: Draft RTI Application

Format:

To,
The Public Information Officer
[Name of Department/Office]
[Address]

Date: [Date]

Subject: Application under Right to Information Act, 2005

Respected Sir/Madam,

Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, I request the following information:

1. [Your first question/information sought - Be specific]

2. [Second question - If any]

3. [Third question - If any]

[Continue as needed]

I am enclosing RTI application fee of ₹10 in the form of [cash/DD/IPO/online payment].

[If BPL card holder: "I am a BPL card holder (copy enclosed) and hence exempt from fee"]

Please provide the information within 30 days as mandated by the RTI Act. If the information pertains to life and liberty, kindly provide within 48 hours.

If you are not the concerned officer, please transfer this application to the correct PIO under Section 6(3) and inform me.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Mobile Number]
[Email ID]

Step 4: Pay Fees

RTI Application Fee:

Central Government: ₹10

State Governments: ₹10 (most states)

Payment modes:

  • Cash (if filing in person)

  • Demand Draft

  • Indian Postal Order

  • Online (if available)

BPL card holders: Exempt (attach BPL card copy)

Additional fee:

  • For photocopies: ₹2 per page (usually)

  • For inspection: May be charged

  • Mentioned in reply by PIO

Step 5: File the Application

Method A: Offline (Traditional)

In Person:

  • Visit PIO's office

  • Submit application

  • Pay fee (cash/DD/IPO)

  • Get acknowledgment receipt (must be given!)

  • Note date of filing

By Post:

  • Send application + DD/IPO by registered post

  • Keep postal receipt

  • Takes longer

Method B: Online (Easier)

RTI Online Portal: https://rtionline.gov.in

Process:

  1. Register:

    • Create account

    • Verify email

  2. Submit RTI:

    • Select department/ministry

    • Fill online form

    • Enter questions

    • Upload documents (if any)

  3. Pay Fee:

    • Online payment (₹10)

    • Debit/credit card/net banking

  4. Get Registration Number:

    • Note it down

    • Used for tracking

Advantages:

  • Convenient

  • Instant acknowledgment

  • Track status online

  • No need to visit office

Limitation: Not all departments/states on portal yet

Step 6: Wait for Reply

Timeline:

Normal cases: PIO must reply within 30 days

Life and liberty cases: Within 48 hours

If PIO seeks additional fee (for copies): 30 days from date you pay additional fee

If PIO transfers application: 30 days from date receiving PIO gets it (+ 5 days for transfer time)

Step 7: Receive Information

PIO sends:

  • Information requested (documents/copies)

  • By post or email

  • Or asks you to inspect/collect

If additional fee:

  • PIO sends notice

  • Pay within specified time

  • Then get information

What If You Don't Get Reply?

If PIO doesn't reply in 30 days:

Deemed refusal!

Your right: File First Appeal

Appeals:

First Appeal:

When to file:

  • No reply within 30 days, OR

  • Reply unsatisfactory, OR

  • PIO rejected application

Where to file:

  • To First Appellate Authority (FAA)

  • (Senior officer in same department)

  • Details on website

Time limit: Within 30 days of:

  • 30-day period expiry (if no reply), OR

  • Receipt of reply (if unsatisfactory)

Format:

To,
The First Appellate Authority
[Department Name]
[Address]

Date: [Date]

Subject: First Appeal under Section 19(1) of RTI Act, 2005

Respected Sir/Madam,

I had filed an RTI application dated [Date] with the PIO, [Department Name] seeking [briefly state information sought].

[Choose one:]

[Option 1 - No Reply:]
Despite 30 days having elapsed, I have not received any information from the PIO.

[Option 2 - Unsatisfactory Reply:]
The PIO vide letter dated [Date] provided information which is unsatisfactory/incomplete because [reasons].

[Option 3 - Rejection:]
The PIO rejected my application vide letter dated [Date] on grounds of [reasons], which is not justified because [your arguments].

I request you to:
1. Direct the PIO to provide complete information
2. [Any other relief]

Copies of RTI application and PIO's reply (if any) are enclosed.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Contact Details]

Fee: Usually NIL (no fee for appeal)

FAA must decide: Within 30-45 days

Second Appeal:

If First Appeal also fails:

Where to file:

  • Central Information Commission (CIC) – For central government

  • State Information Commission (SIC) – For state government

Online filing available (both CIC and SIC)

Time limit: Within 90 days of FAA order

CIC/SIC has powers:

  • Direct PIO to provide information

  • Impose penalty on PIO (up to ₹25,000)

  • Recommend disciplinary action

CIC/SIC decision is final (can be challenged in High Court only on limited grounds)

Penalties on PIO:

If PIO:

  • Doesn't reply without valid reason

  • Gives false information

  • Destroys information

Penalty: Up to ₹25,000

Imposed by: Information Commission

Tips for Effective RTI:

✓ Be specific – Don't ask vague questions like "Give me all information about X". Ask pointed questions.✓ One RTI, multiple questions – Can ask related questions in same application✓ Don't ask opinions – Ask for factual information only✓ Quote relevant sections – Cite RTI Act provisions✓ Keep copies – Of application, receipts, replies✓ Follow up – Track status✓ Use RTI for public interest – Not to harass officials✓ Appeal if unsatisfied – Don't give up✓ Online filing easier – Use portal if available

Common RTI Applications:

Examples:

1. Government Job Selection: "Provide photocopy of my answer sheet in [Exam Name] held on [Date]"

2. Police Complaint: "Provide status and action taken report on my complaint no. [X] filed on [Date] at [Police Station]"

3. Public Works: "Provide details of contractors, amounts sanctioned, and work completion status for road construction in [Area] in financial year 2024-25"

4. Ration Card: "Provide reasons for rejection of my ration card application no. [X] dated [Date]"

5. Municipal Issues: "Provide inspection reports of [Restaurant/Building/Facility Name] for past 1 year"

RTI and Privacy:

You cannot ask:

  • Someone else's personal information (medical records, bank details, etc.) without public interest

  • Your own information usually given without RTI

But if public interest:

  • Salaries of government employees → Yes (public money)

  • Assets of public officials → Yes (transparency)

  • Criminal records of politicians → Yes (public interest)

RTI Success Stories:

1. Exposing Corruption: Activist filed RTI on village development funds. Found massive diversion of funds. FIR filed, officials arrested.

2. Getting Compensation: Citizen asked details of compensation scheme for accident victims. Found he was entitled but not informed. Got ₹2 lakh compensation.

3. Exam Paper Leak: Student filed RTI for answer sheet. Discovered errors in evaluation. Marks corrected, got admission.

4. Road Construction Scam: RTI revealed contractor paid but work not done. Public outrage led to completion and contractor blacklisted.

Limitations of RTI:

❌ Can't get personal opinions of officers❌ Can't ask "why" questions (interpretations) – Only factual info❌ Can't get exempt information (national security, etc.)❌ Private companies (non-government) not covered❌ Can't get future plans/policies (only existing documents)

Cost Summary:

Item

Cost

RTI Application Fee

₹10

Photocopies (if provided)

₹2/page (approx)

First Appeal

Free

Second Appeal

Free

Total

₹10 + copies cost

Cheapest way to get government information!

Online Resources:

RTI Online Portal: https://rtionline.gov.inCentral Information Commission: https://cic.gov.inList of State Information Commissions: Available on CIC websiteRTI Act full text: Available on India Code website

Real Example:

Case: Ramesh applied for driving license. Application pending for 6 months, no response. Filed RTI:

"1. What is current status of my DL application no. [X] dated [Date]? 2. What is reason for delay? 3. What is expected date of issuance?"

Reply in 25 days: Application was misplaced. After RTI, immediately processed. Got license in 1 week.

RTI Result: Problem solved!

Conclusion:

RTI is your right. Use it to:

  • Get information

  • Ensure accountability

  • Fight corruption

  • Solve problems

Don't hesitate to file RTI. It's simple, cheap (₹10), and powerful!

Remember: Information is power. RTI empowers you!

Have a problem with government department? File RTI today!

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