“In a government of responsibility like ours where the agents of the public must be responsible for their conduct there can be but a few secrets. The people of this country have a right to know every public act, everything that is done in a public way by their public functionaries. They are entitled to know the particulars of every public transaction in all its bearings.”
Supreme Court in State of UP vs Raj Narain in 1975
The Supreme Court has observed that Right to Information is a part of Right to Speech & Expression, which is a fundamental right under Article 19(1) of the Constitution. According to the Supreme Court, Right to Speech & Expression cannot be exercised without Right to Information.
Any citizen can approach any government department and seek any information with respect to the working of that department, inspect any files or take copies of any documents under the RTI act.
RTI ACT
- Central
- States / Union Territories
To know about the addresses of Public Information Officers of different governmental organizations. Click here
How to apply | Draft questions | Sample application 
Read More…
One year of unfreedom
A year after the right to information became a reality, a reluctant government and its indifferent officials are finding it too burdensome to carry it forward. So, attempts are on to find sideways and steer clear of it except in Bihar, where RTI complaints are being taken over phone, says Arvind Kejriwal.
May 2007
Say no to the new iron curtains
The central government has proposed to exempt file notings and cabinet papers from the RTI law. The government’s idea that it can ‘reveal the decision but not the reason for it’ is anti-democratic.
August 2006
RTI: An enormous power with the people
Magsaysay award winner talks about India’s RTI movement, and worries that a formidable tool of empowerment might slip out of the hands of citizens if amendments proposed are enacted.
August 2006
RTI law turned on its head
A combination of intimidation and mindless application of the letter of the law threatens to dissuade citizens from putting the RTI Act to use. And politicians are only happy to offer solutions that further dilute the law’s purpose.
June 2006
