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Introduction:
As an Indian citizen, you enjoy a very powerful right called as “Right to Information” (RTI). This right is a part of the fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution which says:
“Every citizen has freedom of speech and expression”
Now, how can you exercise your freedom to speak and express, unless you have the “Information”? This is how RTI is linked to the fundamental right to “Speak & Express”.
For adding teeth to this very powerful right, Govt. of India have enacted “RTI Act -2005”, which has established the process through which we can exercise this fundamental right. This act has become effective from 12th October 2005 and extends to whole of India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir. As can be understood from above, RTI Act-2005 does not give you a new right. Your "Right to Information" was already existing since from the date constitution was adopted i.e. since from 26th November, 1949. RTI Act-2005 only streamlines the process of getting the information. RTI Act-2005 also does not creates information, but brings the information for everyone to see.
What information can you seek under RTI?
You can seek information in any form including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form etc.To illustrate, you can:
# Ask any questions from the Government or seek any information.
# Take copies of any government documents.
# Inspect any government documents.
# Inspect any Government works.
# Take samples of materials of any Government work.
From whom can you seek this information?
You can seek this information from any Government offices and also organizations such as Public Sector industries, NGO’s etc. which are owned, controlled or substantially financed by the Government. You can also seek this information from private organizations.
The private organizations, which are owned, controlled or substantially financed by the Government are directly covered by RTI act. Others are indirectly covered. That is, if a government department can access information from any private body under any other Act, the same can be accessed by the citizen under the RTI Act through that government department.
Use this lethal weapon:
RTI Act over rides all existing Acts including Officials Secrets Act - 1923 (Refer Sec 22 of the RTI Act 2005).
Hence you can use it for your own individual good (for getting as simple a thing as a Ration card) or for the good of society (for example, to end corruptions by unearthing the truth).
Do you wish to use this lethal weapon now?
If you wish to use this over-riding act to unearth corruptions/malpractices for the good of society or even for your personal good for redressing of your grievances, LFR is here to help you.
For this, at first you need to know how to file an application for the information needed by you. Click here to get started. |
