Taxmann s Right to Information Act 2005 with Rules

Size Guide

CHAPTER I – Preliminary

Section 1: Short title, extent, and commencement

• This Act may be called the Right to Information Act, 2005.
• It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir (now applicable after the revocation of Article 370).
• It shall come into force on the 120th day from the date of its enactment.

Section 2: Definitions

• Defines key terms like "public authority," "information," "right to information," "Central Public Information Officer (CPIO)," "State Public Information Officer (SPIO)," etc.

CHAPTER II – Right to Information and Obligations of Public Authorities

Section 3: Right to Information

• Every citizen has the right to access information under this Act.

Section 4: Obligations of Public Authorities

• Public authorities must maintain records and proactively disclose certain categories of information.

Section 5: Appointment of Public Information Officers (PIOs)

• Designation of CPIOs and SPIOs to provide information to applicants.

Section 6: Request for Information

• Any citizen may request information in writing or electronically from the concerned public authority.

Section 7: Disposal of Request

• Information must be provided within 30 days of receiving the request.
• If life or liberty is concerned, information must be provided within 48 hours.
• Rejection must be justified with reasons.

CHAPTER III – Exemptions from Disclosure

Section 8: Exemptions from Disclosure of Information

• Information affecting national security, economic interests, or trade secrets is exempt.
• Personal information with no public interest cannot be disclosed.

Section 9: Grounds for Rejection

• Information can be denied if it infringes copyright or endangers safety.

CHAPTER IV – The Central and State Information Commissions

Section 12-17: Central Information Commission (CIC) & State Information Commissions (SICs)

• Appointments, powers, and tenure of Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners.

CHAPTER V – Appeal and Penalties

Section 19: Appeals Process

• A two-tier appeal process is provided:
  • First Appeal: To the senior officer of the PIO within 30 days.
  • Second Appeal: To CIC/SIC within 90 days.

Section 20: Penalties

• PIOs can be fined ?250 per day for delay, up to ?25,000.