Right to Information
Right to Information Act 2005, CIC, SIC, Application Process, Exemptions
Learning Content
📜 Right to Information Act 2005
information = authority | Information = Power | Transparency = soul of democracy
📊 RTI Act 2005 - Overview SVG
📋 RTI Act - Key Sections
| Section | Subject | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sec.2(f) | Definition of Information | Any material in any form |
| Sec.3 | Right to Information | All citizens have RTI |
| Sec.4 | Suo Motu Disclosure | Proactive disclosure by govt |
| Sec.5 | PIO Designation | Public Information Officer |
| Sec.6 | Application Process | ₹10 fee, written request |
| Sec.7 | Time Limit | 30 days (48 hrs for life) |
| Sec.8 | Exemptions | 10 categories exempt |
| Sec.19 | Appeals | 1st & 2nd Appeal process |
| Sec.20 | Penalty | ₹250/day, Max ₹25,000 |
⏱️ Time Limits under RTI
| Purpose | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Normal Response | 30 Days |
| Life/Liberty Matter | 48 Hours |
| Transfer to other PIO | 5 Days |
| Third Party Info | 40 Days |
| First Appeal | Within 30 Days |
| Second Appeal to CIC | Within 90 Days |
🏛️ CIC & SIC - Information Commissions
Central and State Information Commissions
📊 CIC Structure - SVG
📋 2019 Amendment - Key Changes
| Aspect | Before 2019 | After 2019 Amendment |
|---|---|---|
| CIC Tenure | 5 years or 65 years | As prescribed by Central Govt |
| CIC Salary | Equal to CEC | As prescribed by Central Govt |
| IC Tenure | 5 years or 65 years | As prescribed by Central Govt |
| IC Salary | Equal to EC | As prescribed by Central Govt |
| State CIC | Equal to EC | As prescribed by Central Govt |
| Controversy | Independent status | Criticized for reducing independence |
📊 CIC vs SIC Comparison
| Aspect | CIC (Central) | SIC (State) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | Sec.12 | Sec.15 |
| Head | Chief IC | State Chief IC |
| Members | Max 10 | Max 10 |
| Selection | PM + LoP + Cabinet Min | CM + LoP + Cabinet Min |
| Jurisdiction | Central Public Authorities | State Public Authorities |
| Appointed By | President | Governor |
⚡ Powers of Information Commission
| Civil Court Powers | Summoning, Oath, Documents, Witnesses |
| Inspect Records | Can inspect any public record |
| Impose Penalty | ₹250/day, Max ₹25,000 on PIO |
| Recommended Action | Disciplinary action against PIO |
| Compensation | Can award compensation to complainant |
🚫 RTI Exemptions - Exemptions (Sec.8 & Sec.24)
This information cannot be obtained through RTI
📊 Section 8 - Exemptions SVG
📋 Section 24 - Exempt Organizations
| Category | Organizations |
|---|---|
| Intelligence | IB (Intelligence Bureau), RAW (Research & Analysis Wing) |
| Paramilitary | BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, Assam Rifles, SSB |
| Special Forces | NSG (National Security Guard), SPG |
| Research | DRDO, Aviation Research Centre |
| Exception | Corruption & Human Rights violations - Must respond! |
✅ Information that MUST be disclosed
| 20 Year Rule (Sec.8(3)) | Any information older than 20 years |
| Life & Liberty | Information concerning life/liberty - Within 48 hours |
| Public Interest Override | When public interest outweighs harm |
| Corruption Info | Even from exempt organizations (Sec.24) |
| Human Rights | Even from exempt organizations (Sec.24) |
🧠 RTI - Memory Tricks & Shortcuts
Easy to remember for TNPSC Exam
📊 Memory Formula - SVG
🔢 Quick Number Tricks
| 2005 | RTI Act Year (Oct 12 effective) |
| ₹10 | Application fee (BPL free) |
| 30 Days | Normal response time |
| 48 Hours | Life/Liberty matters |
| ₹250/day | Penalty on PIO (Max ₹25,000) |
| 1+10 | CIC composition (Chief + 10 ICs) |
| Sec.8 = 10 | 10 Exemption categories |
| 20 Years | Old info must be disclosed |
📋 TNPSC Expected Questions
| # | Question Type | Quick Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RTI Act Year? | 2005 |
| 2 | RTI fee? | ₹10 (BPL free) |
| 3 | Response time? | 30 days (48 hrs for life) |
| 4 | Penalty on PIO? | ₹250/day, Max ₹25,000 |
| 5 | CIC composition? | Chief IC + Max 10 ICs |
| 6 | CIC Selection Committee? | PM + LoP + Cabinet Minister |
| 7 | Exemption section? | Section 8 (10 categories) |
| 8 | Constitutional basis? | Art.19(1)(a) |
| 9 | 2nd Appeal to? | CIC/SIC within 90 days |
| 10 | Which act replaced by RTI? | FOI Act 2002 |
| 11 | 20 Year Rule in which section? | Sec.8(3) |
| 12 | Exempt orgs section? | Section 24 |
🎯 One-Liner Summary
| "Information is Power" - RTI empowers citizens | |
| Act | 2005 (Effective Oct 12) |
| Fee | ₹10 (BPL Free) |
| Time | 30 days (48 hrs life/liberty) |
| Penalty | ₹250/day, Max ₹25,000 |
| Appeals | 1st (30 days) → 2nd CIC (90 days) |
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