The Right to Information Act 2005

Abstract

This handbook provides a comprehensive and detailed introduction to the Right to Information Act 2005. The Act, one of the most remarkable piece of legislation in the world, for the first time empowers Indian citizens to access information in the possession of public officials and authorities. This handbook serves as a guide to the implementation of the Right to Information Act, and is separated into eight detailed chapters. The first chapter introduces the concept of freedom of information (FOI), and views it within a global perspective. The following chapter quickly places the right to information within the India, as it examines the primary source of the right to information (RTI) movement. The third chapter is focused on the ways one can effectively use the RTI Act, 2005. The next two chapters discuss the roles, obligations, and duties of public authorities and the Public Information Officers (PIOs). Chapters 6 and 7 are concerned with exempted information, and the last chapter takes a look at the appellate authorities and their roles.