Right to Information Act, 2005 \u2014 Complete Study Notes | CSS ADDA<\/title>\r\n<style>\r\n*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\r\n:root {\r\n --navy:#1b2d45;--blue:#1e6091;--sky:#2980b9;--teal:#0e8f7a;--amber:#c97c10;--red:#c0392b;--green:#1e7e4a;\r\n --text:#1c2b3a;--muted:#5a6d80;--border:#dde6ef;--bg:#f7f9fc;\r\n --sidebar-bg:#1a3a6b;--sidebar-dark:#122c54;--gold:#f5c518;\r\n}\r\nhtml{scroll-behavior:smooth}\r\nbody{font-family:'Source Sans 3','Segoe UI',sans-serif;background:#ececea;color:var(--text);font-size:15px;line-height:1.85}\r\na{text-decoration:none;color:inherit}\r\n\r\n\/* ALERT *\/\r\n.top-alert{background:var(--gold);color:var(--sidebar-bg);font-size:12px;font-weight:700;padding:8px 20px;text-align:center;letter-spacing:.03em}\r\n.top-alert em{font-weight:400;font-style:italic}\r\n\r\n\/* BREADCRUMB *\/\r\n.breadcrumb-bar{background:#fff;border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;padding:9px 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*\/\r\n.def-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px;margin:18px 0 24px}\r\n.def-card{border:1.5px solid var(--border);border-radius:8px;padding:14px 16px;background:#fff;border-left:4px solid #1e6091}\r\n.def-card.starred{border-left-color:#c0392b;background:#fff8f7}\r\n.def-card .def-term{font-size:13px;font-weight:800;color:#1e6091;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;margin-bottom:2px}\r\n.def-card.starred .def-term{color:#c0392b}\r\n.def-card .def-clause{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:var(--muted);letter-spacing:.1em;margin-bottom:6px}\r\n.def-card .def-text{font-size:13px;color:#2c3e50;line-height:1.7}\r\n.def-card .def-text strong{color:#111}\r\n\r\n\/* SUMMARY TABLE *\/\r\n.summary-table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:16px 0 24px;font-size:13px;border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:8px;overflow:hidden}\r\n.summary-table thead tr{background:#1e6091;color:#fff}\r\n.summary-table th{padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase}\r\n.summary-table td{padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--border);color:#2c3e50;vertical-align:top;line-height:1.65}\r\n.summary-table tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f8fbfd}\r\n.summary-table .sec-col{font-weight:700;color:#1e6091;white-space:nowrap;width:100px}\r\n.summary-table .sub-col{font-weight:600;color:#444;width:130px}\r\n.summary-table .ch-row td{background:#fff0f0;font-weight:700;color:#c0392b;border-top:2px solid #c0392b}\r\n\r\n\/* RESPONSIVE *\/\r\n@media(max-width:860px){.wrapper{flex-direction:column}.sidebar{width:100%;min-width:100%;position:static;max-height:none;min-height:auto}.content-area{padding:20px 18px 48px}.hero{padding:48px 24px 44px}.stat-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.elig-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}}\r\n@media(max-width:520px){.hero h1{font-size:24px}.stat-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<\/head>\r\n<body>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"top-alert\">\r\n \ud83d\udd14 Act No. 22 of 2005 | <strong>As amended up to 18th Nov 2025<\/strong> | Amended by: RTI (Amendment) Act 2019, J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, DPDP Act 2023 | <em>Section 8(1)(j) substituted w.e.f. 13-11-2025<\/em>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"breadcrumb-bar\">\r\n <a href=\"#\">Home<\/a><span>\/<\/span>\r\n <a href=\"#\">Notes<\/a><span>\/<\/span>\r\n <a href=\"#\">RTI Act, 2005<\/a><span>\/<\/span>\r\n <strong>Complete Study Notes \u2014 All Sections 1\u201331<\/strong>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wrapper\">\r\n\r\n \r\n <aside class=\"sidebar\">\r\n <div class=\"sb-brand\">\r\n <div class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"name\">CSS ADDA<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sub\">Promotion Exams Portal<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pill\">RTI Act 2005<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"toc-hd\">\ud83d\udccb Table of Contents<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sub-label\">Right to Information Act, 2005 (As Amended)<\/div>\r\n\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#preamble\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcd6<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Preamble & Overview<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u2014<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch I \u2014 Preliminary<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec1\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udccc<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 1 \u2014 Short Title, Extent & Commencement<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a71<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec2\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcd6<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 2 \u2014 Definitions (14 Terms)<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a72<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch II \u2014 Rights & Obligations<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec3\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u2705<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 3 \u2014 Right to Information<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a73<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec4\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 4 \u2014 Obligations (Suo Motu)<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a74<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec5\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udc64<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 5 \u2014 Designation of PIOs<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a75<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec6\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcdd<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 6 \u2014 Request for Information<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a76<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec7\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u23f0<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 7 \u2014 Disposal of Request<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a77<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec8\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udd12<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 8 \u2014 Exemptions (10 Clauses)<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a78<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec9\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 9 \u2014 Copyright Rejection<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a79<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec10\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u2702\ufe0f<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 10 \u2014 Severability<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a710<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec11\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udc65<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 11 \u2014 Third Party Information<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a711<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch III \u2014 Central Info Commission<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec12\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 12 \u2014 Constitution of CIC<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a712<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec13\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 13 \u2014 Term & Conditions<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a713<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec14\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 14 \u2014 Removal of CIC\/IC<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a714<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch IV \u2014 State Info Commission<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec15\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83c\udfe2<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 15 \u2014 Constitution of SIC<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a715<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec16\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 16 \u2014 Term & Conditions<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a716<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec17\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 17 \u2014 Removal of SCIC\/SIC<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a717<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch V \u2014 Powers, Appeal & Penalties<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec18\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udd0d<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 18 \u2014 Powers of Commissions<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a718<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec19\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udce4<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 19 \u2014 Appeal (First & Second)<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a719<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec20\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcb0<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 20 \u2014 Penalties (\u20b9250\/day)<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a720<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch VI \u2014 Miscellaneous<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec21\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 21 \u2014 Good Faith Protection<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a721<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec22\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u26a1<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 22 \u2014 Overriding Effect<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a722<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec23\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 23 \u2014 Bar of Courts<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a723<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec24\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udd10<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 24 \u2014 Exempt Organisations<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a724<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec25\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcca<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 25 \u2014 Monitoring & Reporting<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a725<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec26\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83c\udf93<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 26 \u2014 Programmes & Guide<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a726<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec27\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 27\u201331 \u2014 Rules, Repeal etc.<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a727<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sch2\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udd12<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Second Schedule \u2014 26 Organisations<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">Sch<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY TABLE<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#summary\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcc1<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY TABLEn<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">D1<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/aside>\r\n\r\n \r\n <main class=\"main\">\r\n <div class=\"hero\">\r\n <div class=\"hero-eyebrow\">\ud83d\udcdc RTI Act \u2014 Study Notes<\/div>\r\n <h1>Right to Information<br>Act, 2005<\/h1>\r\n <p class=\"hero-sub\">Act No. 22 of 2005 | As Amended up to 18th Nov 2025 | Department of Personnel & Training<\/p>\r\n <div class=\"hero-pills\">\r\n <div class=\"pill\"><strong>Extent:<\/strong> Whole of India<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pill\"><strong>Sections:<\/strong> 31 + 2 Schedules<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pill\"><strong>Time Limit:<\/strong> 30 days (48 hrs life\/liberty)<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pill\"><strong>Penalty:<\/strong> \u20b9250\/day, max \u20b925,000<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pill\"><strong>Amended:<\/strong> 2019 & 2023 (DPDP)<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"content-area\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"preamble\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">PREAMBLE<\/span>\r\n <h2>Object & Reasons of the Act<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Right to Information Act, 2005 (No. 22 of 2005)<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"preamble-card\">\r\n <div class=\"preamble-stamp\">\ud83d\udcdc Preamble \u2014 Four Recitals<\/div>\r\n <h4>The Constitutional & Democratic Foundation<\/h4>\r\n <p><strong>WHEREAS<\/strong> the Constitution of India has established a <strong>Democratic Republic<\/strong>;<\/p>\r\n <p><strong>AND WHEREAS<\/strong> democracy requires an <strong>informed citizenry<\/strong> and transparency of information which are vital to its functioning and also to <strong>contain corruption<\/strong> and to hold Governments accountable;<\/p>\r\n <p><strong>AND WHEREAS<\/strong> revelation of information is likely to <strong>conflict with other public interests<\/strong> including efficient operations, fiscal resources and confidentiality;<\/p>\r\n <p><strong>AND WHEREAS<\/strong> it is necessary to <strong>harmonize these conflicting interests<\/strong> while preserving the <strong>paramountcy of the democratic ideal<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"callout teal\">\r\n <div class=\"callout-label\">\ud83d\udccc Amending Acts (3 Amendments)<\/div>\r\n <p><strong>1.<\/strong> RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 (24 of 2019) \u2014 term\/salary of CIC\/IC prescribed by Central Govt. <strong>2.<\/strong> J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 (34 of 2019) \u2014 \"except J&K\" omitted w.e.f. 31-10-2019. <strong>3.<\/strong> Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (22 of 2023) \u2014 Section 8(1)(j) substituted w.e.f. 13-11-2025.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch1\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER I<\/span>\r\n <h2>Preliminary<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 1 & 2<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec1\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 1<\/span>\r\n <h3>Short Title, Extent & Commencement<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccc<\/span><span>This Act may be called the <strong>Right to Information Act, 2005<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f<\/span><span>Extends to the <strong>whole of India<\/strong>. <span class=\"amend-badge\">J&K exclusion removed w.e.f. 31-10-2019<\/span><\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a1<\/span><span><strong>Immediate effect:<\/strong> Sec 4(1), Sec 5(1)&(2), Sec 12, 13, 15, 16, 24, 27, 28.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span><strong>Remaining provisions:<\/strong> 120th day of enactment = <strong>12th October 2005<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec2\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 2<\/span>\r\n <h3>Definitions \u2014 14 Key Terms<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<p>In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms have the meanings assigned below:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"compare-table\">\r\n <thead><tr><th style=\"width:200px;\">Term \u2014 Clause<\/th><th>Definition<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n <tbody>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Appropriate Government<\/strong> \u2014 2(a)<\/td><td>In relation to a public authority established, constituted, owned, controlled or substantially financed by funds provided \u2014<br> (i) by the <strong>Central Government or UT administration<\/strong> \u2192 the Central Government; <br>(ii) by the <strong>State Government<\/strong> \u2192 the State Government.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n \r\n <tr><td><strong>Central Public Information Officer<\/strong> \u2014 2(c)<\/td><td>The CPIO designated under <strong>Section 5(1)<\/strong>; includes a Central <strong>Assistant Public Information Officer<\/strong> designated under <strong>Section 5(2)<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n \r\n <tr><td><strong>Competent Authority<\/strong> \u2014 2(e)<\/td><td>(i) <strong>Speaker<\/strong> \u2014 House of the People or State Legislative Assembly; <br>(ii) <strong>Chairman<\/strong> \u2014 Council of States or State Legislative Council; <br>(iii) <strong>Chief Justice of India<\/strong> \u2014 Supreme Court; <br>(iv) <strong>Chief Justice of HC<\/strong> \u2014 High Court; <br>(v) <strong>President or Governor<\/strong> \u2014 other authorities under the Constitution; <br>(vi) <strong>Administrator<\/strong> appointed under Article 239.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Information<\/strong> \u2014 2(f) \u2b50<\/td><td>Any material in <strong>any form<\/strong>, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, <strong>samples, models<\/strong>, data material held in any <strong>electronic form<\/strong>, and information relating to any <strong>private body<\/strong> which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Prescribed<\/strong> \u2014 2(g)<\/td><td>Means prescribed by <strong>rules made under this Act<\/strong> by the appropriate Government or the competent authority, as the case may be.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Public Authority<\/strong> \u2014 2(h) \u2b50<\/td><td>Any authority or body or institution of self-government established or constituted \u2014 <br>(a) by or under the <strong>Constitution<\/strong>; <br>(b) by any law made by <strong>Parliament<\/strong>;<br> (c) by any law made by <strong>State Legislature<\/strong>;<br> (d) by <strong>notification or order<\/strong> by the appropriate Government.<br><br><strong>Also includes:<\/strong> <br>(i) body owned, controlled or <strong>substantially financed<\/strong>; <br>(ii) <strong>NGO substantially financed<\/strong> directly or indirectly by funds provided by the appropriate Government.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Record<\/strong> \u2014 2(i)<\/td><td>Includes \u2014 <br>(a) any document, manuscript and file; <br>(b) any microfilm, microfiche and facsimile copy of a document; <br>(c) any reproduction of image or images embodied in such microfilm;<br> (d) any other material produced by a <strong>computer or any other device<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Right to Information<\/strong> \u2014 2(j) \u2b50<\/td><td>The right to information accessible under this Act, held by or under the control of any public authority, and includes the right to \u2014<br> (i) <strong>inspection<\/strong> of work, documents, records;<br> (ii) taking <strong>notes, extracts or certified copies<\/strong> of documents or records; <br>(iii) taking <strong>certified samples<\/strong> of material; <br>(iv) obtaining information in the form of <strong>diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes or any other electronic mode or printouts<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n <tr><td><strong>Third Party<\/strong> \u2014 2(n)<\/td><td>A person <strong>other than the citizen<\/strong> making a request for information and <strong>includes a public authority<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 2 (Definitions)<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udce2 Oral Instructions Must Be Recorded (SC \u2014 T.S.R. Subramanian v. UOI, 2013)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC directed that all oral instructions by superiors must be <strong>recorded in writing<\/strong> for accountability. Oral directions, if not recorded, defeat the object of the RTI Act and give room for <strong>favouritism and corruption<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb Form of Information \u2014 PIO Cannot Ask to Download from Website<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>PIO <strong>cannot ask applicant to download<\/strong> from website. Must provide <strong>hard copies<\/strong> on payment of cost.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdd File Notings \u2014 Can Be Disclosed (DoPT O.M. 23 June 2009)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>File notings <strong>can be disclosed<\/strong> except notings containing information exempt under Sec 8.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Public Authority \u2014 Co-operative Societies (SC \u2014 Thalappalam, 2013)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>A co-operative society is <strong>not a PA<\/strong> unless it is <strong>controlled<\/strong> or <strong>substantially financed<\/strong> by Govt. <strong>Burden to prove<\/strong> \u2192 on the applicant or appropriate Govt.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Substantial Finance (SC \u2014 D.A.V. College v. DPI, 2019)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>If NGOs\/bodies get substantial finance from Govt, citizens can ask how their money is used. <strong>Grant-in-aid covering ~50% expenditure or 95% of salary = substantially financed = Public Authority<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Ministers Are NOT Public Authority (Delhi HC \u2014 UOI v. CIC, 2017)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Delhi HC <strong>set aside<\/strong> CIC decision declaring Ministers as \"public authority\" under Sec 2(h). CIC had gone beyond scope of the matter.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd11 Opinions, Hypothetical Questions & Creation of Info<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Opinions:<\/strong> \"Opinion\" is \"information\" only if held in <strong>material form<\/strong>. PIO gives information, not personal opinion.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Hypothetical questions:<\/strong> PIO not obligated to create info, interpret info, or furnish replies to hypothetical questions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Information in memory:<\/strong> No obligation to disclose information existing only <strong>in memory<\/strong> of a public authority.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Gazette info:<\/strong> Even if info is in Gazette, PIO is <strong>bound to furnish<\/strong> \u2014 cannot ask applicant to search elsewhere.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Unsigned documents:<\/strong> Copies of unsigned documents can be provided, certifying they are unsigned.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\uddd1\ufe0f Destruction \/ Weeding of Records<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If records destroyed per procedure \u2192 PIO must provide <strong>copy of rules under which files were weeded out<\/strong> + certificate to that effect.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If records <strong>untraceable<\/strong> (not confirmed non-existent) \u2192 PIO must demonstrate <strong>diligent search<\/strong> was conducted.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc4 Compilation of Information \u2014 PIO Cannot Reshape Info (DoPT O.M.)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>PIO shall supply material <strong>in the form as held<\/strong> by the PA. Not required to <strong>deduce conclusions<\/strong> from the material. PIO is not required to <strong>do research<\/strong> on behalf of the citizen.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If info sought in photocopy form \u2192 provide photocopy. If in floppy \u2192 provide in floppy. But PIO shall <strong>not re-shape<\/strong> the information.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb Form of Access \u2014 Cannot Create If Not Available in Requested Form<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>If requested info is <strong>not available in electronic form<\/strong>, it does <strong>not have to be created<\/strong> for the appellant.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f Appropriate Forum \u2014 RTI Is Not for Entitlements<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>RTI liability is only to furnish information on <strong>\"as it is\" \"where it is\"<\/strong> basis. If earned leave is wrongly calculated \u2192 agitate before <strong>Competent Authority<\/strong>. RTI is <strong>not the forum<\/strong> for going into entitlements and calculations.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfa5 Videography \u2014 Not Prohibited<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>If applicant wishes to make copies of records given for inspection at <strong>his own expense<\/strong>, PA cannot object to the <strong>form<\/strong> (including <strong>videography<\/strong>). No provision in the Act disallowing it, provided it is restricted to permissible information.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc64 Information Held by Citizen Himself<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If citizen already holds the info (e.g., copies of his own letters to PA) \u2192 PA need only confirm <strong>whether or not his letters were received<\/strong> and their dates. PA has <strong>no obligation beyond this<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch2\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER II<\/span>\r\n <h2>Right to Information & Obligations of Public Authorities<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 3 to 11<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec3\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 3<\/span>\r\n <h3>Right to Information \u2014 All Citizens<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p>Subject to the provisions of this Act, <strong>all citizens<\/strong> shall have the right to information. Only <strong>citizens<\/strong> \u2014 not corporations, societies, foreigners or other legal entities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 3<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc64 Who Is a \"Citizen\"? \u2014 DoPT Guide & CIC Ruling<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>DoPT Guide (Para 8): Act gives right <strong>only to citizens<\/strong>. Not to corporations, associations, companies etc. But if <strong>employee\/office bearer<\/strong> applies <strong>in his own name<\/strong> as a citizen \u2192 info may be supplied.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>Even if info sought by <strong>office bearer of an Association\/Union<\/strong> \u2192 treated as <strong>valid<\/strong> under RTI Act.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec4\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 4<\/span>\r\n <h3>Obligations of Public Authorities \u2014 Suo Motu Disclosure<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p><strong>4(1)(a)<\/strong> \u2014 Maintain all records <strong>duly catalogued, indexed and computerized<\/strong> through network.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>4(1)(b)<\/strong> \u2014 Publish <strong>within 120 days<\/strong> and <strong>update annually<\/strong> the following <strong>17 categories<\/strong>:<\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2460<\/span><span>Organisation, functions and duties<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2461<\/span><span>Powers and duties of officers\/employees<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2462<\/span><span>Decision-making procedure, supervision and accountability<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2463<\/span><span>Norms for discharge of functions<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2464<\/span><span>Rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2465<\/span><span>Categories of documents held<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2466<\/span><span>Arrangements for public consultation \/ representation<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2467<\/span><span>Boards, councils, committees \u2014 whether meetings are public<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2468<\/span><span>Directory of officers and employees<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2469<\/span><span>Monthly remuneration of each officer\/employee<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246a<\/span><span>Budget, plans, expenditures and disbursements<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246b<\/span><span>Subsidy programmes \u2014 amounts and beneficiaries<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246c<\/span><span>Recipients of concessions, permits, authorizations<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246d<\/span><span>Information in electronic form<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246e<\/span><span>Facilities for citizens \u2014 library\/reading room hours<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246f<\/span><span>Names, designations of PIOs<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2470<\/span><span>Such other information as prescribed<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><strong>4(1)(c)<\/strong> \u2014 Publish all relevant facts while formulating important policies. <strong>4(1)(d)<\/strong> \u2014 Provide <strong>reasons for administrative\/quasi-judicial decisions<\/strong> to affected persons.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>4(2)<\/strong> \u2014 It shall be a constant endeavour of every public authority to provide as much information <strong>suo motu<\/strong> to the public at regular intervals through various means of communications, including <strong>internet<\/strong>, so that the public have minimum resort to the use of this Act.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>4(3)<\/strong> \u2014 Every information shall be disseminated widely and in such form and manner which is <strong>easily accessible to the public<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>4(4)<\/strong> \u2014 All materials shall be disseminated taking into consideration the <strong>cost effectiveness, local language<\/strong> and the most effective method of communication in that local area. Information should be easily accessible, to the extent possible in <strong>electronic format<\/strong> with the PIO, available <strong>free or at such cost<\/strong> of the medium or print cost price as may be prescribed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 4<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcbb Computerization of Land Records Directed<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>CIC directed Chief Secretary, NCT Delhi to ensure land records are <strong>catalogued, indexed, computerized & networked<\/strong> per Sec 4(1)(a). Govt to make finances available.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccc Display Boards in Local Language Directed<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>CIC directed display board <strong>in Telugu<\/strong> at prominent places showing PIO\/FAA particulars + designate <strong>APIOs at Anganwadis<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Compensation for Non-Publication \u2014 Landmark<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>CIC awarded <strong>\u20b91,000 each<\/strong> for non-publication of Old Age Pension beneficiaries under Sec 4(1)(b)(xiii) r\/w 4(1)(d). Penalty u\/s 20 not applicable, but <strong>compensation u\/s 19(8)(b)<\/strong> payable.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udf10 Continuous Improvement of Voluntary Disclosure<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>Sec 4(2)&(3) calls for <strong>continuous improvement<\/strong>. Citizen <strong>can complain<\/strong> if Dept has not updated information causing damage.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec5\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 5<\/span>\r\n <h3>Designation of Public Information Officers<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udc64<\/span><span><strong>Within 100 days<\/strong> of enactment, every PA shall designate CPIOs\/SPIOs in all administrative units.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccd<\/span><span>Also designate <strong>Assistant PIOs at sub-divisional\/sub-district level<\/strong> to receive applications and forward them.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span>If application given to APIO \u2192 <strong>5 extra days added<\/strong> to the response period of Sec 7(1).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83e\udd1d<\/span><span>PIO shall <strong>render reasonable assistance<\/strong> to persons seeking information.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>PIO may seek <strong>assistance of any other officer<\/strong> \u2192 that officer treated as PIO for contraventions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 5<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdd Can APIO Sign a Response Letter?<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>No legal difficulty in PIO using APIO to <strong>transmit<\/strong> his decision. But order must <strong>clearly state<\/strong> it was from PIO, with PIO's name & designation. APIO's role is <strong>limited to receiving & forwarding<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83e\udd1d Courtesy \u2014 DoPT O.M. (24 June 2008)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>PIO's duty is <strong>not confined to furnishing info<\/strong> \u2014 also to provide <strong>necessary help<\/strong> and be <strong>courteous<\/strong>. Respect dignity of information-seeker. PIOs must attend training programmes.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd04 Multiple PIOs \u2014 No Transfer Within Same PA<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>If multiple PIOs in same PA \u2192 <strong>cannot ask citizen to approach another PIO<\/strong> or transfer to another PIO within same PA. Transfer only to <strong>another PA<\/strong> under Sec 6(3).<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc64 Other Officers as Deemed PIO<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>PIO's colleague who was sought for assistance u\/s 5(5) becomes <strong>deemed PIO<\/strong> and is expected to provide the required information to the PIO who received the original request.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec6\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 6<\/span>\r\n <h3>Request for Obtaining Information<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdd<\/span><span>Request in <strong>writing or electronic means<\/strong> in English, Hindi or <strong>official language of the area<\/strong>, with prescribed fee.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f<\/span><span>If person <strong>cannot write<\/strong> \u2192 PIO shall assist to <strong>reduce oral request in writing<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>Applicant <strong>NOT required to give any reason<\/strong> for requesting information.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udd04<\/span><span>If information held by <strong>another PA<\/strong> \u2192 transfer application <strong>within 5 days<\/strong> and inform applicant.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 6<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f SC: PIO Must Listen & Write Down Oral Request (Aseer Jamal v. UOI, 2018)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>It is <strong>obligatory<\/strong> on PIO to render all reasonable assistance to persons making request <strong>orally<\/strong> to reduce the same in writing. Assistance includes Braille script and audio files for visually impaired.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdd Request Must Be Specific But Need Not Point to File Numbers<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Request must <strong>specify particulars of information<\/strong> as defined in Sec 2(f). Cannot simply ask for \"inspection of proceedings\".<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>But applicant <strong>need not give file\/permission numbers<\/strong> \u2014 common man cannot ascertain these. PIO must search records using the identifier provided (e.g., house number).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab Handwritten Application Cannot Be Rejected<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>PIO rejected handwritten request. CIC condemned: Act specifically provides for applications <strong>\"in writing\"<\/strong>. Refusal because application is handwritten = <strong>not reasonable cause<\/strong> u\/s 20(1)&(2).<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Excess Fee \u2014 Cannot Reject Application<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>Rejection on ground of <strong>excess payment<\/strong> of fee (\u20b920 instead of \u20b910) is <strong>not correct<\/strong>. Higher denomination stamps are routinely accepted by courts and authorities.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd12 Identity of Requester \u2014 Must Not Be Disclosed (Calcutta HC \u2014 Avishek Goenka, 2013)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Authority <strong>should not insist upon requester's whereabouts<\/strong>. When uploading RTI replies on website, <strong>personal details of applicant<\/strong> (name, address, email, phone) must <strong>not be disclosed<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd04 Transfer \u2014 Must Transfer Application, Not Merely Advise<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>Sec 6(3) requires <strong>transfer of the application<\/strong> to concerned PA \u2014 not simply advising applicant to make fresh application elsewhere.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfe6 Banker's Cheque Is a Pay Order<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>CIC clarified: Banker's Cheque is a cheque <strong>issued by the Bank itself<\/strong> (commonly called \"pay order\"), not from personal account. It is valid for fee payment.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83e\udd1d Personal Discussion with Requester \u2014 Recommended<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>CIC recommended: in all such matters, it is better to <strong>call the petitioner for a discussion<\/strong> about what precise information he seeks. Personal discussion would have <strong>avoided litigation<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccd Address of NGO \u2260 Institutional Request<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>Appellant applied in <strong>his own name<\/strong> but gave address of an NGO. CIC held: merely giving address of an NGO <strong>does not imply<\/strong> the institution is seeking information.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd04 DoPT Transfer Guide \u2014 4 Scenarios (O.M. 12 June 2008)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2460<\/span><span><strong>Info concerns another PA:<\/strong> Transfer application. If PIO cannot identify the PA \u2192 inform applicant; PIO must prove he made <strong>reasonable efforts<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2461<\/span><span><strong>Part info with PA, part with another PA:<\/strong> Supply own part + <strong>send copy of application<\/strong> to other PA.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2462<\/span><span><strong>Info scattered with multiple PAs:<\/strong> Supply own part + <strong>advise applicant to make separate applications<\/strong>. Act uses singular \"another public authority\" not \"other public authorities\".<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2463<\/span><span><strong>Info concerns a State Govt PA:<\/strong> Inform applicant; <strong>need not transfer<\/strong> to State Govt\/UT.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec7\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 7<\/span>\r\n <h3>Disposal of Request \u2014 Time Limits<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u23f0<\/span><span><strong>7(1):<\/strong> Provide information within <strong>30 days<\/strong> of receipt of request. If life or liberty concerned \u2192 within <strong>48 hours<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u23f0<\/span><span><strong>35 days<\/strong> \u2014 If application received via APIO (+5 days). <strong>40 days<\/strong> \u2014 Third party information (Sec 11).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>7(2):<\/strong> If no decision within the prescribed time \u2192 <strong>deemed refusal<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcb0<\/span><span><strong>Further fee:<\/strong> If additional cost involved \u2192 PIO intimates details + calculations. Period between intimation & payment <strong>excluded<\/strong> from 30-day count.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u267f<\/span><span><strong>Sensorily disabled:<\/strong> PIO shall provide <strong>appropriate assistance<\/strong> for inspection.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83c\udd93<\/span><span><strong>BPL persons:<\/strong> No fee charged. Also, if PA <strong>fails to comply with time limit<\/strong> \u2192 information provided <strong>free of charge<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>On rejection: PIO must communicate <strong>reasons, appeal period, and appellate authority details<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc4<\/span><span>Information in the <strong>form sought<\/strong> unless it would disproportionately divert resources or harm the record.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 7<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcec Proof of Dispatch Recommended<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>CIC recommended PIOs should ensure <strong>proof of dispatch<\/strong> \u2014 send replies under UPC cover or by <strong>Registered\/Speed Post<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u23f0 Life & Liberty \u2014 What Qualifies (CIC Ruling)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>For 48-hour treatment: application must be accompanied with <strong>substantive evidence<\/strong> (e.g., medical report) that threat to life\/liberty exists.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>Programmes for <strong>demolition of inhabited structures<\/strong> = concern for life & liberty. CPIO must satisfy himself before ruling otherwise.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Fees \u2014 SC: RTI Fee vs. Institutional Fee (ICSI v. Paras Jain, 2019)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>If candidate seeks info <strong>under RTI Act<\/strong> \u2192 payment as per RTI Rules only. If under institution's own guidelines \u2192 institution may charge its own fees. The two avenues are <strong>not mutually exclusive<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f Language Assistance (Delhi HC \u2014 Suresh Chand Gupta)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>If petitioner <strong>not conversant in English<\/strong> \u2192 PIO must allow inspection with <strong>assistance of counsel or someone conversant in English<\/strong>. Denial = withholding access.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb DoPT Format for RTI Replies (O.M. 6 Oct 2015)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Reply must contain: (i) RTI application number & date; (ii) name\/designation\/phone\/email of CPIO; (iii) if denied \u2192 <strong>detailed reasons citing relevant sections<\/strong>; (iv) if transferred \u2192 details of other PA; (v) <strong>First Appeal details<\/strong> with name\/address\/phone\/email of FAA; (vi) certified copies endorsed <em>\"True copy supplied under RTI Act\"<\/em> with CPIO signature + seal.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab Rejecting Request \u2014 Must Cite Specific Section & Give Reasons<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Merely quoting bare clause<\/strong> of Sec 8 without justification = <strong>malafide denial<\/strong> attracting penalties u\/s 20(1). PIO must intimate <strong>how and why<\/strong> the exemption is applicable.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>PIO should: (a) indicate <strong>section and clause<\/strong> under which request rejected; (b) give <strong>grounds for exemption<\/strong>; (c) give own <strong>name and name of appellate officer<\/strong>; (d) give <strong>clear-cut replies<\/strong> to all queries.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc4 Sec 7(9) \u2014 Disproportionate Diversion Is NOT an Exemption<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span>Sec 7(9) does <strong>NOT authorize a PA to deny information<\/strong>. It simply allows providing info in a <strong>different form<\/strong> easy to access (e.g., hard copy instead of electronic if converting hundreds of files would be disproportionate).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Can also be used for <strong>scoping<\/strong> \u2014 appellant directed to <strong>minimize and prioritize<\/strong> requirement, keeping cost-effectiveness in mind.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec8\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 8<\/span>\r\n <h3>Exemption from Disclosure \u2014 10 Clauses<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"compare-table\">\r\n <thead><tr><th>Clause<\/th><th>Exempted Information<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n <tbody>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(a)<\/strong><\/td><td>Prejudicially affects <strong>sovereignty, integrity, security, strategic\/scientific\/economic interests<\/strong>, foreign relations, or leads to incitement of offence<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(b)<\/strong><\/td><td>Forbidden by <strong>court\/tribunal<\/strong> to publish, or constitutes <strong>contempt of court<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(c)<\/strong><\/td><td>Would cause <strong>breach of privilege<\/strong> of Parliament or State Legislature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(d)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Commercial confidence, trade secrets, IP<\/strong> \u2014 unless larger public interest warrants disclosure<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(e)<\/strong><\/td><td>Available in <strong>fiduciary relationship<\/strong> \u2014 unless larger public interest warrants<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(f)<\/strong><\/td><td>Received in <strong>confidence from foreign Government<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(g)<\/strong><\/td><td>Would <strong>endanger life\/physical safety<\/strong> or identify <strong>confidential source<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(h)<\/strong><\/td><td>Would <strong>impede investigation, apprehension or prosecution<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(i)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cabinet papers<\/strong> incl. deliberations of Council of Ministers, Secretaries. <em>Proviso:<\/em> Decisions + reasons made public <strong>after matter is complete<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(j)<\/strong> <span class=\"amend-badge\">DPDP 2023<\/span><\/td><td>Information which relates to <strong>personal information<\/strong> [Substituted w.e.f. 13-11-2025 by DPDP Act]<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"callout red\">\r\n <div class=\"callout-label\">\u26a0\ufe0f Key Provisos & Overrides<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u25aa\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>8(2) \u2014 Public Interest Override:<\/strong> Notwithstanding Official Secrets Act 1923 or any exemption in 8(1), PA <strong>may allow access<\/strong> if public interest in disclosure <strong>outweighs<\/strong> harm to protected interests.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u25aa\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>8(3) \u2014 20-Year Rule:<\/strong> Except clauses (a), (c) and (i), any information relating to an event <strong>20+ years old<\/strong> shall be provided to any person.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 8 (Exemptions)<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Sub-Judice Matters \u2014 No Blanket Exemption<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>RTI Act provides <strong>no exemption for sub-judice matters<\/strong>. Only exemption in 8(1)(b) is what a court has <strong>expressly forbidden<\/strong> to publish or what constitutes contempt. A person who goes to court cannot be denied information about <strong>himself<\/strong> on pretext of sub-judice.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdc Drafts of Judgments \u2014 Not Disclosable (CIC Full Bench)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Draft judgments, jottings and notes by judges while hearing cases are <strong>not part of record \"held\"<\/strong> by the PA. Any intrusion in judicial work under RTI is <strong>unnecessary<\/strong>. Sec 8(1)(b) gives total discretion to the court\/tribunal.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfe6 Bank Defaulters List \u2014 Must Be Disclosed (SC \u2014 RBI v. Jayantilal Mistry, 2015)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC upheld 11 CIC decisions directing RBI to disclose list of bank defaulters. Information about <strong>top defaulters must be brought to citizens' knowledge<\/strong>. RBI's claim of fiduciary capacity was <strong>totally misconceived<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>\"All information held by them is <strong>owned by citizens<\/strong>, who are sovereign.\" CIC directed RBI to <strong>display defaulter list on website<\/strong> under Sec 4(1)(b)(xvii).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc4 Contracts \u2014 Not Confidential After Completion<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>A contract with a PA is <strong>not \"confidential\" after completion<\/strong>. Quotations\/bids\/tenders <strong>before conclusion<\/strong> = trade secret. <strong>Once concluded<\/strong> \u2192 confidentiality cannot be claimed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>Jharkhand HC: Once tender is decided and work order issued \u2192 tender documents <strong>cannot be kept secret<\/strong> as trade secret. Disclosure shows <strong>transparency in Govt activities<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay \u2014 Evaluated Answer Scripts (SC, 2011)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Examining bodies must <strong>permit inspection<\/strong> of evaluated answer scripts. RTI is a <strong>cherished right<\/strong>. But equal importance given to <strong>exemptions in Sec 8(1)<\/strong> \u2014 PIO must balance disclosure against exemptions based on facts.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f Sec 8(2) \u2014 \"Legal Revolution\" (SC \u2014 Yashwant Sinha v. CBI, 2019)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Justice K.M. Joseph: Sec 8(2) is a <strong>\"legal revolution\"<\/strong> \u2014 none of the exemptions in Sec 8(1) or Official Secrets Act can block access if <strong>public interest in disclosure outweighs harm<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>RTI Act through Sec 8(2) conferred a <strong>\"priceless right\"<\/strong> \u2014 citizens can demand info even on matters of <strong>national security and foreign relations<\/strong> if public interest is established.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc64 Personal Info \u2014 Travelling Expenses, Leave Records, ACRs<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Travel expenses<\/strong> charged to public account cannot be denied as \"personal info\" \u2014 they are <strong>public records<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>LTC disbursals:<\/strong> Amounts claimed, block years, sanction details \u2192 disclosable. Names of family members, age \u2192 personal, <strong>not disclosable<\/strong>. Use Sec 10 to sever.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Leave records:<\/strong> Personal info with no public interest \u2192 not disclosable. But <strong>number of officials<\/strong> on leave (without names) \u2192 can be disclosed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>ACRs:<\/strong> SC in <em>Dev Dutt v. UOI (2008)<\/em> \u2014 Every entry (not just adverse) must be <strong>communicated<\/strong> to employee. Non-communication = <strong>arbitrary, violates Art 14<\/strong>. Grading chart (not detailed ACRs) \u2192 disclosable.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Marks of selected candidates:<\/strong> Selection to Govt post = <strong>larger public interest<\/strong>. Info about marks of self + selected candidates must be furnished.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc5 Time-Limited Exemptions \u2014 Perpetual vs. 20-Year<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Perpetual exemptions<\/strong> (no 20-year limit): Clauses (a), (c) and (i) \u2014 sovereignty, parliamentary privilege, cabinet papers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Time-limited exemptions<\/strong> (20-year limit): Clauses (b), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (j) \u2014 cannot be applied on records <strong>more than 20 years old<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd12 Classification as \"Confidential\" \u2014 OSA Overridden<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Classification as \"confidential\" under Official Secrets Act <strong>cannot withhold info<\/strong> \u2014 Sec 22 gives RTI Act overriding effect. Appellate Authority cannot withhold on ground of OSA classification. However, PA may <strong>classify items under Sec 8(1)<\/strong> as confidential, limiting other authorities' discretion.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc2 8(1)(b) \u2014 Court Records & Sub-Judice Matters<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Court records:<\/strong> If court rules permit furnishing copies of affidavits\/documents to third parties \u2192 must furnish. If rules silent \u2192 furnish. If rules prohibit \u2192 communicate relevant rules.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Sub-judice matters:<\/strong> RTI Act provides <strong>NO exemption<\/strong> for sub-judice matters. Only what a court has <strong>expressly forbidden<\/strong> or what constitutes <strong>contempt<\/strong> is exempt. Mere pendency of litigation \u2260 exemption.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Contempt:<\/strong> Sec 3 of Contempt of Courts Act 1971 \u2014 publication is contempt only if judicial proceeding is <strong>pending<\/strong> (after charge-sheet filed). Publication <strong>before<\/strong> charge-sheet \u2192 not contempt.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f 8(1)(b) \u2014 Drafts of Judgments Not Disclosable (CIC Full Bench)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Draft judgments, jottings by judges = <strong>not part of record \"held\"<\/strong> by PA. SC in <em>Surendra Singh v. State of UP<\/em>: \"Draft judgments, however heavily signed, are <strong>not the judgments<\/strong>.\" Any RTI intrusion into judicial work is <strong>unnecessary<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f 8(1)(c) \u2014 Breach of Privilege of Parliament<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Committee of Privileges (14th Lok Sabha): Situations include \u2014 proceedings of <strong>secret sittings<\/strong> (Rule 248); proceedings\/evidence\/report of a <strong>Parliamentary Committee before it is reported to the House<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>Submissions made before a <strong>Parliamentary Standing Committee<\/strong> are treated as <strong>confidential<\/strong>. Documents become <strong>property of Parliament<\/strong>. Department cannot disclose without Committee's authorization.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdd 8(1)(d) \u2014 Civil Services Examination Marks (Delhi HC)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Delhi HC directed UPSC to disclose: <strong>marks obtained<\/strong> in Prelims, <strong>cut-off marks<\/strong>, and <strong>model answers<\/strong>. SC dismissed UPSC's SLP as UPSC had already changed examination pattern.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb 8(1)(d)(e) \u2014 IT Returns = Fiduciary; Legal Opinion = Fiduciary<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>IT Returns:<\/strong> Filed in <strong>fiduciary capacity<\/strong>, include commercial activities details, relate to third person \u2192 exempt u\/s 8(1)(j).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Legal opinion<\/strong> obtained from an advocate \u2192 justifiably denied u\/s <strong>8(1)(d) and (e)<\/strong> (fiduciary capacity).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f 8(1)(e) \u2014 Tax Evasion Petition \u2014 Access Is Rule, Exemption Is Exception (Delhi HC)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Delhi HC in <em>Bhagat Singh v. CIC<\/em>: <strong>Access to information is the rule<\/strong>, exemptions under Sec 8 are the <strong>exception<\/strong>. Sec 8 being a restriction on fundamental right must be <strong>strictly construed<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Mere <strong>existence of investigation<\/strong> cannot be ground for refusal. Authority must show <strong>satisfactory reasons<\/strong> why release would <strong>hamper investigation<\/strong> \u2014 reasons must be germane and opinion reasonable.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f 8(1)(g) \u2014 Interview Board Names Endanger Lives (SC)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC in <em>Bihar PSC v. Saiyed Hussain Abbas Rizwi<\/em>: Disclosure of <strong>names and addresses of Interview Board members<\/strong> would <strong>ex facie endanger their lives or physical safety<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f 8(1)(g) \u2014 Police Visitors Register Not Disclosable<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>If Visitors Register of police crime offices made openly accessible \u2192 may <strong>compromise sources of information<\/strong> and <strong>endanger visitors' lives<\/strong>. Exemption u\/s 8(1)(g) fully applies.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb 8(1)(h) \u2014 FIR Must Be Uploaded Online (SC \u2014 Youth Bar Association, 2016)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC directed: FIRs (except sensitive \u2014 sexual offences, terrorism, POCSO) shall be <strong>uploaded on police website within 24 hours<\/strong> (extendable to 48-72 hrs for connectivity issues).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Accused entitled to <strong>copy of FIR<\/strong> on payment of fee, within <strong>24 hours<\/strong>. Decision not to upload \u2192 only by officer <strong>not below DSP rank<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd0d 8(1)(h) \u2014 \"Investigation\" Includes Departmental Inquiry<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>CIC Division Bench: \"Investigation\" u\/s 8(1)(h) should be construed <strong>broadly<\/strong> \u2014 includes all <strong>enquiries, verification of records, assessments<\/strong> in specific cases. Investigation complete only when <strong>competent authority makes determination<\/strong> about culpability.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>In <strong>vigilance\/misconduct\/disciplinary<\/strong> cases \u2192 assumption of <strong>continuing investigation<\/strong> till competent authority decides. <strong>Premature disclosure<\/strong> of investigation report can permanently <strong>tar employee's reputation<\/strong> even if eventually exonerated.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>But once <strong>charge sheet served<\/strong>, cannot plead continuing investigation. Each case examined <strong>independently on facts<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc1 8(1)(i) \u2014 Cabinet Papers \u2014 Detailed CIC Rulings<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Arvind Kejriwal case:<\/strong> Since decision on FDI in Single Brand Retail was <strong>taken and notified<\/strong> and no Sec 8 exemption claimed \u2192 Cabinet note and Cabinet decision <strong>should have been furnished<\/strong>, applying severability under Sec 10(1).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Mercy petition files:<\/strong> File notings\/correspondence between MHA and President's Secretariat are <strong>NOT part of \"ministerial advice\"<\/strong> protected by Art 74(2). They are <strong>\"material\"<\/strong> on which advice is based \u2192 disclosable after testing against Sec 8. Names of officials may be severed u\/s 8(1)(g).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>CIC interpretation:<\/strong> Sec 8(1)(i) exempts \u2014 (i) cabinet papers; (ii) deliberations of (a) Council of Ministers, (b) Secretaries, (c) other officers. Decisions + material \u2192 disclosed after matter complete. But <strong>deliberations of Secretaries\/officers<\/strong> (unconnected with cabinet decision) \u2192 may remain exempt.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc64 8(1)(j) \u2014 SC: Girish Ramchandra Deshpande v. CIC (2012)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC held: Copies of <strong>memos, show cause notices, orders of censure\/punishment<\/strong> = personal information u\/s 8(1)(j). Performance of employee is <strong>matter between employee and employer<\/strong> governed by service rules.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Disclosure would cause <strong>unwarranted invasion of privacy<\/strong>. But if PIO\/AA satisfied that <strong>larger public interest<\/strong> justifies disclosure \u2192 appropriate orders could be passed. Petitioner <strong>cannot claim as matter of right<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd11 8(1)(j) \u2014 Personal Information: CIC Full Bench Guidelines (G.R. Rawal, 2008)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Personal info includes:<\/strong> name, address, occupation, physical\/mental\/medical status, financial status (income, assets, liabilities), hobbies. These are <strong>confidential<\/strong> \u2014 one may not wish to share with outsiders.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Normal rule: <strong>non-disclosure<\/strong> of private life. Disclosure ordered only when <strong>overriding public interest<\/strong> exists \u2014 and Sec 11 procedure must be followed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>Test: All information <strong>unrelated to a public activity\/interest<\/strong> and relating to\/originating in a person \u2192 \"personal information\" u\/s 8(1)(j). But info may <strong>acquire public face<\/strong> due to specific circumstances.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>\"Personal information\" means info about a <strong>third party<\/strong>, not the information-seeker himself. If one seeks info about his <strong>own case<\/strong> \u2192 question of invasion of <strong>own privacy does not arise<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f 8(1)(j) \u2014 Privacy Is a Constitutional Right (SC \u2014 Puttaswamy, 2017)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC (9-judge bench): <strong>Privacy is a constitutionally protected right<\/strong> under Art 21. <strong>\"Informational privacy\"<\/strong> is a facet of right to privacy. Court recommended a <strong>robust data protection regime<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb 8(1)(j) \u2014 Selection Process, DPC, Caste, Medical, Property Returns<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Selection process:<\/strong> Selection to Govt post involving thousands of candidates = <strong>larger public interest<\/strong>. Marks of self + selected candidates must be furnished.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>DPC proposals:<\/strong> PIO should follow <strong>Sec 11 procedure<\/strong> (third party notice) + <strong>Sec 10<\/strong> (severability). DPC proforma info disclosable, but <strong>individual ACRs shall not be furnished<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Caste status:<\/strong> Generally <strong>personal info<\/strong> exempt u\/s 8(1)(j). But if person used caste for <strong>appointment under reserved quota<\/strong> \u2192 caste enters <strong>public domain<\/strong> \u2192 disclosable.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Medical records:<\/strong> Fall under <strong>personal information<\/strong> exempt u\/s 8(1)(j), unless larger public interest justifies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Immovable property returns<\/strong> of IAS\/IPS\/IFS officers \u2192 <strong>disclosable<\/strong>. Exemption u\/s 8(1)(j) rejected. Sec 11 not attracted.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Meta request<\/strong> (names\/addresses of other RTI applicants) = personal info, <strong>exempt<\/strong>. But <strong>number of RTI applications<\/strong> received \u2192 can be disclosed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec9\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 9<\/span>\r\n <h3>Grounds for Rejection \u2014 Copyright Infringement<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>PIO may reject request where providing access would involve <strong>infringement of copyright<\/strong> subsisting in a person <strong>other than the State<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec10\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 10<\/span>\r\n <h3>Severability \u2014 Partial Access<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2702\ufe0f<\/span><span>Where part of record is exempt \u2192 access may be provided to the <strong>non-exempt part<\/strong> which can reasonably be <strong>severed<\/strong> from exempt information.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>PIO gives notice: (a) only part provided after severance; (b) reasons + findings; (c) name\/designation of decision-maker; (d) fee details; (e) <strong>appeal rights<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec11\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 11<\/span>\r\n <h3>Third Party Information<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udc65<\/span><span>If information relates to\/supplied by <strong>third party<\/strong> and treated as confidential \u2192 PIO gives <strong>written notice within 5 days<\/strong> of receipt of request.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdd<\/span><span>Third party gets <strong>10 days<\/strong> from notice to make representation against proposed disclosure.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span>PIO's decision: <strong>within 40 days<\/strong> of original request (if third party was given opportunity).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Except <strong>trade\/commercial secrets<\/strong> protected by law \u2192 disclosure allowed if <strong>public interest outweighs<\/strong> harm.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce4<\/span><span>Third party entitled to prefer <strong>appeal under Sec 19<\/strong> against the decision.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 11<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab Third Party Has No Automatic Veto<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>RTI Act does <strong>not give third party an automatic veto<\/strong> on disclosure. PIO\/AO must examine third party's case under Sec 8(1)(j) or Sec 11(1), <strong>assess facts<\/strong>, and pass a <strong>speaking order<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc65 Huge Number of Third Parties \u2014 Hear Representatives<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Where number of third parties is <strong>800+<\/strong> \u2192 AA may choose to hear <strong>representatives<\/strong> from samples of large, medium and small investors, then pass a speaking order.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb Sec 7(7), 11 & 7(1) Must Be Read Together<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>When info has a third party link \u2192 PIO must <strong>consult\/hear the third party before any decision<\/strong> (either to provide or reject). Hearing is both a <strong>procedural and substantive requirement<\/strong>. Third party may have <strong>no objection<\/strong>, in which case disclosure can be authorized even for prima facie personal info.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f Public Authority Can Appeal as Third Party (CIC Full Bench)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>\"Third party\" under Sec 2(n) <strong>includes PA<\/strong>. If CPIO decides to disclose info treated as confidential by another PA \u2192 that PA can appeal u\/s 19(2). The word <strong>\"person\"<\/strong> (not defined in Act) is wide enough to include a PA as a juristic entity.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch3\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER III<\/span>\r\n <h2>The Central Information Commission<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 12 to 14<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec12\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 12<\/span>\r\n <h3>Constitution of CIC<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f<\/span><span>Constituted by <strong>Central Government<\/strong> by notification in Official Gazette.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udc64<\/span><span>Consists of: <strong>Chief Information Commissioner<\/strong> + not exceeding <strong>10 Information Commissioners<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Appointed by <strong>President<\/strong> on recommendation of committee: (i) <strong>Prime Minister<\/strong> (Chairperson); (ii) <strong>Leader of Opposition<\/strong> in Lok Sabha; (iii) Union <strong>Cabinet Minister<\/strong> nominated by PM.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2b50<\/span><span>Persons of <strong>eminence in public life<\/strong> with wide knowledge in law, science & technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Not<\/strong> an MP\/MLA, not hold office of profit, not connected to political party, not carry on business\/profession.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccd<\/span><span>HQ at <strong>Delhi<\/strong>; may establish other offices with CG approval.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decision \u2014 SC Office as Public Authority<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f SC Office Is a PA \u2014 Judges' Asset Declarations (SC \u2014 CPIO, SC v. Subhash Chandra Agarwal, 2010)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC upheld CIC order directing CPIO of Supreme Court to furnish information on <strong>judges who had declared their assets<\/strong>. Such disclosure <strong>does not impinge<\/strong> on personal information\/privacy of judges.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Fiduciary relationship rule u\/s 8(1)(e) is inapplicable<\/strong>. However, <strong>details and contents<\/strong> of personal assets in the declaration would attract <strong>public interest test u\/s 8(1)(j)<\/strong> and proviso to Sec 11(1). For such details \u2192 <strong>Sec 11(1) procedure must be followed<\/strong> (third party notice to judges).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec13\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 13<\/span>\r\n <h3>Term of Office & Conditions of Service <span class=\"amend-badge\">Amended 2019<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span>CIC\/IC term: <strong>As prescribed by Central Govt<\/strong> [earlier: 5 years]. Not eligible for <strong>reappointment<\/strong>. Max age: <strong>65 years<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udd04<\/span><span>IC eligible for appointment as CIC. Aggregate term as IC+CIC: <strong>not more than 5 years<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcb0<\/span><span>Salaries, allowances, terms: <strong>As prescribed by Central Govt<\/strong> [earlier: equivalent to CEC\/EC]. Shall not be varied to <strong>disadvantage<\/strong> after appointment.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/span><span>Oath\/affirmation before <strong>President<\/strong> as per First Schedule.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"callout teal\">\r\n <div class=\"callout-label\">\ud83d\udcdc THE FIRST SCHEDULE \u2014 [See Sections 13(3) and 16(3)]<\/div>\r\n <p><strong>Form of Oath or Affirmation:<\/strong> <em>\"I, \u2026\u2026, having been appointed CIC \/ IC \/ SCIC \/ SIC swear in the name of God \/ solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my ability, knowledge and judgment perform the duties of my office <strong>without fear or favour, affection or ill-will<\/strong> and that I will uphold the Constitution and the laws.\"<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec14\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 14<\/span>\r\n <h3>Removal of CIC or Information Commissioner<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Removed by <strong>President<\/strong> on ground of proved <strong>misbehaviour or incapacity<\/strong> \u2014 after Supreme Court inquiry.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u23f8\ufe0f<\/span><span>President may <strong>suspend<\/strong> during inquiry.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>President may also remove without SC reference if: (a) <strong>insolvent<\/strong>; (b) convicted of <strong>moral turpitude<\/strong>; (c) <strong>paid employment<\/strong> outside duties; (d) <strong>unfit<\/strong> (infirmity); (e) acquired <strong>prejudicial financial interest<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch4\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER IV<\/span>\r\n <h2>The State Information Commission<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 15 to 17<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec15\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 15<\/span>\r\n <h3>Constitution of SIC<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83c\udfe2<\/span><span>Constituted by <strong>State Govt<\/strong>. SCIC + not exceeding <strong>10 SICs<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Appointed by <strong>Governor<\/strong> on recommendation: (i) <strong>Chief Minister<\/strong> (Chairperson); (ii) <strong>Leader of Opposition<\/strong> in State Assembly; (iii) Cabinet Minister nominated by CM.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2b50<\/span><span>Same qualifications and disqualifications as CIC\/IC.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec16\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 16<\/span>\r\n <h3>Term & Conditions <span class=\"amend-badge\">Amended 2019<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span>SCIC\/SIC term: <strong>As prescribed by Central Govt<\/strong>. Max age: <strong>65 years<\/strong>. No reappointment.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcb0<\/span><span>Salaries: <strong>Prescribed by Central Govt<\/strong> [earlier: equivalent to CEC\/EC at State level].<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/span><span>Oath before <strong>Governor<\/strong> as per First Schedule.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec17\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 17<\/span>\r\n <h3>Removal of SCIC or SIC<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Removed by <strong>Governor<\/strong> on ground of proved misbehaviour\/incapacity after <strong>Supreme Court<\/strong> inquiry. Same grounds as Sec 14.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch5\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER V<\/span>\r\n <h2>Powers and Functions of the Information Commissions, Appeal and Penalties<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 18 to 20<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec18\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 18<\/span>\r\n <h3>Powers & Functions of Information Commissions<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udd0d<\/span><span>Receive and inquire into complaints: (a) no PIO appointed; (b) APIO refused to accept application; (c) access refused; (d) no response within time; (e) unreasonable fee; (f) incomplete\/misleading\/false info; (g) any other matter.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Same powers as a <strong>Civil Court<\/strong>: summoning, compelling evidence on oath, requiring documents, receiving affidavits, requisitioning public records, issuing summons.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc2<\/span><span>May <strong>examine any record<\/strong> under control of PA during inquiry \u2014 <strong>no record may be withheld<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec19\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 19<\/span>\r\n <h3>Appeal \u2014 Two Tiers<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce4<\/span><span><strong>First Appeal:<\/strong> To officer <strong>senior to PIO<\/strong> within <strong>30 days<\/strong>. Disposed within <strong>30\u201345 days<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce4<\/span><span><strong>Second Appeal:<\/strong> To CIC\/SIC within <strong>90 days<\/strong>. <strong>Onus of proof<\/strong> on PIO who denied request. Decision of Commission is <strong>binding<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>19(1) First Appeal:<\/strong> Within <strong>30 days<\/strong> from expiry of time\/receipt of decision \u2192 to officer <strong>senior in rank<\/strong> to PIO. May admit after 30 days if sufficient cause.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>19(2) Third Party Appeal:<\/strong> Against Sec 11 disclosure order \u2014 within <strong>30 days<\/strong> from date of order.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>19(3) Second Appeal:<\/strong> Within <strong>90 days<\/strong> \u2192 to CIC\/SIC. May admit late if sufficient cause.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>19(5):<\/strong> Onus to prove denial justified \u2192 on the <strong>PIO who denied<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span><strong>19(6):<\/strong> First appeal disposed within <strong>30 days<\/strong>, extendable to <strong>45 days<\/strong> (reasons in writing).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udd12<\/span><span><strong>19(7):<\/strong> Decision of CIC\/SIC is <strong>binding<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span><strong>19(8) Powers:<\/strong> (a) require PA to provide access \/ appoint PIO \/ publish info \/ change practices \/ provide training \/ annual report; (b) <strong>compensate<\/strong> complainant; (c) <strong>impose penalties<\/strong>; (d) reject.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 19<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Compensation Must Be Claimed Separately<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Compensation <strong>cannot be claimed from penalty imposed<\/strong>. Must be claimed <strong>separately u\/s 19(8)(b)<\/strong>. Damages must be <strong>established by the appellant<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udf93 CIC Directs Training Programmes<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>CIC directed: PA should have <strong>training programmes<\/strong> for staff dealing with RTI. Staff should be referred to <strong>CIC website<\/strong> for decisions. Appellate Authority must ensure <strong>proactive info is updated periodically<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f First Appeal Is Quasi-Judicial \u2014 Speaking Orders Mandatory<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>DoPT Guide (Para 38): Deciding appeals is a <strong>quasi-judicial function<\/strong>. Appellate authority should ensure <strong>justice is not only done but appears to have been done<\/strong>. Order must be a <strong>speaking order<\/strong> giving justification.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>Appellate Authority must give <strong>notices to PIO & Appellant<\/strong>, conduct hearing, pass speaking orders, communicate to PIO under intimation to appellant. Failure to act = <strong>dereliction of statutory responsibility<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab PIO Cannot Intercept First Appeal & Decide It Himself<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Order on first appeal was communicated under signature of PIO. CIC held: PIO <strong>putting himself in the shoes of Appellate Authority<\/strong> is <strong>against the letter and spirit<\/strong> of the Act.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab PIO Cannot File Appeal with CIC Against AA's Order<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>PIO is the <strong>information provider, not seeker<\/strong>. There is <strong>no provision<\/strong> in RTI Act to consider appeals\/complaints by the PIO against the order of an appellate officer.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdd Drafting an Appeal & Fresh Grounds<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Appeal should be drafted in a <strong>simple, direct manner<\/strong> \u2014 brief, not unnecessarily long or couched in legalese.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Fresh grounds<\/strong> for information <strong>cannot be urged at appellate levels<\/strong> unless warranted, if not raised at PIO level.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u23f0 Deemed Refusal by Appellate Authority<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If Appellate Officer <strong>fails to pass order within 45 days<\/strong> of appeal \u2192 construed as <strong>deemed refusal<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab CIC Has No Executive Authority \u2014 Cannot Order Changes in Records<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>CIC is <strong>not empowered to order changes<\/strong> in revenue records (Adangal). This power vests in <strong>Executive Authority<\/strong>. RTI has not empowered the second appellate court with executive authority.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u23f0 Third Party Appeal \u2014 30 Days from Date of Order (Not Receipt)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span>Under Sec 19(2), third party's appeal against disclosure order: <strong>30 days from the date of the order itself<\/strong> \u2014 not from date of receipt. Appellate Authority has <strong>no discretion<\/strong> to admit third party appeal after 30 days (unlike Sec 19(1) for requester).<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec20\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 20<\/span>\r\n <h3>Penalties \u2014 \u20b9250 per Day, Max \u20b925,000<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"callout red\">\r\n <div class=\"callout-label\">\ud83d\udcb0 Penalty Provisions<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u25aa\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>20(1):<\/strong> If PIO without reasonable cause \u2014 refused to receive application, not furnished info in time, malafidely denied, gave incorrect\/incomplete\/misleading info, <strong>destroyed information<\/strong>, obstructed \u2192 penalty of <strong>\u20b9250 each day<\/strong> till application received\/info furnished. <strong>Max: \u20b925,000<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u25aa\ufe0f<\/span><span>PIO given <strong>reasonable opportunity of being heard<\/strong>. Burden of proving reasonable & diligent action on <strong>PIO<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u25aa\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>20(2):<\/strong> If PIO <strong>persistently<\/strong> fails \u2192 Commission shall recommend <strong>disciplinary action<\/strong> under service rules.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 20<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f SC: Opportunity of Hearing Before Penalty (Manohar Manikrao v. State of Maharashtra, 2012)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Before imposing penalty u\/s 20(1), Commission <strong>must give reasonable opportunity of being heard<\/strong>. For Sec 20(2) (disciplinary action recommendation), power may impose <strong>penal consequences<\/strong>, so hearing is implicit.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Penalty Is Personal Liability \u2014 Cannot Use Govt Counsel<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Uttarakhand HC: Once penalty imposed u\/s 20 on PIO \u2192 it is <strong>liability in persona<\/strong>. If PIO wants to challenge, must file writ in <strong>individual capacity with private advocate<\/strong> \u2014 <strong>cannot use Chief Standing Counsel or state money<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83e\udd1d Due Diligence \u2014 \"Reasonable Cause\" Defence<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If delay caused by <strong>logistics of collecting info from multiple sources<\/strong>, absence on leave, and <strong>lack of familiarity<\/strong> with RTI processes \u2192 may meet test of <strong>\"reasonable cause\"<\/strong>. But CPIO should <strong>keep applicant periodically informed<\/strong> about progress.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch6\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER VI<\/span>\r\n <h2>Miscellaneous<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 21 to 31<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec21\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 21<\/span>\r\n <h3>Protection of Action Taken in Good Faith<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f<\/span><span>No suit, prosecution or legal proceeding against any person for anything done <strong>in good faith<\/strong> under this Act.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec22\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 22<\/span>\r\n <h3>Overriding Effect<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a1<\/span><span>Provisions of this Act have effect <strong>notwithstanding anything inconsistent<\/strong> in the <strong>Official Secrets Act, 1923<\/strong> and any other law for the time being in force.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 22<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f SC: RTI Act vs. Gujarat HC Rules (CIC v. HC of Gujarat, 2020)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC held: Gujarat HC Rule 151 (third party must file affidavit to get certified copies) is <strong>not inconsistent<\/strong> with RTI Act \u2014 it merely lays down a <strong>different procedure<\/strong>. In absence of <strong>inherent inconsistency<\/strong>, overriding effect of RTI Act does not apply.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>For information on the <strong>judicial side<\/strong> \u2192 access through <strong>High Court Rules mechanism<\/strong>, not RTI Act.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb Lokayukta Confidentiality Overridden<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>CIC rejected Lokayukta's claim of confidentiality u\/s 10(2)(a) of AP Lokayukta Act 1983. As per <strong>Sec 22 of RTI Act<\/strong>, provisions of RTI have <strong>overriding effect<\/strong> on all other laws \u2014 \"there is nothing confidential under the Act.\"<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec23\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 23<\/span>\r\n <h3>Bar of Jurisdiction of Courts<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>No court shall entertain any suit\/application regarding orders under this Act. Orders challenged <strong>only by appeal under this Act<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 23<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab Consumer Forum Has No Jurisdiction (NCDRC, 2015)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>NCDRC held: Person seeking info under RTI <strong>cannot be said to be a consumer<\/strong> vis-\u00e0-vis the PA. Jurisdiction of Consumer Fora is <strong>barred by necessary implication<\/strong> under Sec 23.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span><strong>No complaint<\/strong> alleging deficiency in services rendered by CPIO\/PIO is <strong>maintainable before a Consumer Forum<\/strong>. Consumer fora are \"courts\" for purposes of Sec 23.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec24\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 24<\/span>\r\n <h3>Act Not to Apply to Certain Organisations<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udd10<\/span><span>Intelligence and security organisations in the <strong>Second Schedule<\/strong> are exempt.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Proviso:<\/strong> Information pertaining to allegations of <strong>corruption and human rights violations<\/strong> shall <strong>NOT be excluded<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span>For <strong>human rights violations<\/strong> \u2192 information only after <strong>CIC\/SIC approval<\/strong>, within <strong>45 days<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>CG may <strong>amend Second Schedule<\/strong> by notification. State Govts may also <strong>specify<\/strong> exempt organisations.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec25\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 25<\/span>\r\n <h3>Monitoring & Reporting<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcca<\/span><span>CIC\/SIC prepares <strong>annual report<\/strong> on implementation, forwards to appropriate Govt.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Report includes: number of requests, refusals (with sections invoked), appeals, disciplinary actions, fees collected, recommendations for reform.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f<\/span><span>Report laid before <strong>each House of Parliament \/ State Legislature<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec26\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 26<\/span>\r\n <h3>Appropriate Govt to Prepare Programmes<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83c\udf93<\/span><span>Develop <strong>educational programmes<\/strong> (especially for disadvantaged communities); train PIOs; promote dissemination.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcd6<\/span><span>Compile a <strong>guide within 18 months<\/strong> of commencement in official language containing: objects, PIO addresses, manner of request, remedies, fee notices etc.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec27\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTIONS 27\u201331<\/span>\r\n <h3>Rules, Laying, Power to Remove Difficulties & Repeal<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/span><span><strong>Sec 27:<\/strong> Appropriate Govt may make rules by notification. <strong>Sec 28:<\/strong> Competent authority may make rules.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Sec 29:<\/strong> CG rules laid before each House of Parliament (30 days). State rules laid before State Legislature.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Sec 30:<\/strong> Power to remove difficulties \u2014 CG may make provisions by order (within <strong>2 years<\/strong> of commencement).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\uddd1\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Sec 31:<\/strong> The <strong>Freedom of Information Act, 2002<\/strong> (5 of 2003) is <strong>hereby repealed<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sch2\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECOND SCHEDULE<\/span>\r\n <h3>Intelligence & Security Organisations (26 Bodies)<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"compare-table\">\r\n <thead><tr><th>#<\/th><th>Organisation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n <tbody>\r\n <tr><td>1<\/td><td>Intelligence Bureau<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>2<\/td><td>Research & Analysis Wing (incl. Aviation Research Centre)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>3<\/td><td>Directorate of Revenue Intelligence<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>4<\/td><td>Central Economic Intelligence Bureau<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>5<\/td><td>Directorate of Enforcement<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>6<\/td><td>Narcotics Control Bureau<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>8<\/td><td>Special Frontier Force (Cabinet Secretariat)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>9<\/td><td>Border Security Force<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>10<\/td><td>Central Reserve Police Force<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>11<\/td><td>Indo-Tibetan Border Police<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>12<\/td><td>Central Industrial Security Force<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>13<\/td><td>National Security Guards<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>14<\/td><td>Assam Rifles<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>15<\/td><td>Sashastra Seema Bal<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>16<\/td><td>DG Income Tax (Investigation)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>17<\/td><td>National Technical Research Organisation<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>18<\/td><td>Financial Intelligence Unit, India<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>19<\/td><td>Special Protection Group<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>20<\/td><td>Defence Research & Development Organisation<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>21<\/td><td>Border Road Development Board<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>22<\/td><td>National Security Council Secretariat<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>23<\/td><td>Central Bureau of Investigation<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>24<\/td><td>National Investigation Agency<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>25<\/td><td>National Intelligence Grid<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>26<\/td><td>Strategic Forces Command<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"callout amber\">\r\n <div class=\"callout-label\">\u26a0\ufe0f Remember \u2014 Exempt But Not Fully<\/div>\r\n <p>Even these 26 organisations <strong>must<\/strong> provide information pertaining to allegations of <strong>corruption and human rights violations<\/strong> (Sec 24 proviso). For human rights violations \u2192 only after <strong>CIC approval<\/strong>, within <strong>45 days<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sc-obs\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SUPREME COURT<\/span>\r\n <h3>CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011)<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"sc-card\">\r\n <div class=\"sc-stamp\">\u2696\ufe0f Civil Appeal No. 6454\/2011<\/div>\r\n <h4>PIO is NOT Required To:<\/h4>\r\n <p>(1) <strong>Collect or collate<\/strong> non-available information; (2) Furnish info requiring <strong>drawing of inferences<\/strong>\/assumptions; (3) Provide <strong>'advice' or 'opinion'<\/strong> to applicant; (4) <strong>Create information<\/strong> that doesn't exist; (5) <strong>Interpret information<\/strong> or solve problems; (6) Reply to <strong>hypothetical questions<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n <p style=\"margin-top:12px;\">The reference to 'opinion'\/'advice' in Sec 2(f) only refers to material <strong>already in records<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"summary\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">SUMMARY<\/span>\r\n <h2>Complete Section-wise Summary<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">All 31 Sections with Sub-sections \u2014 At a Glance<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"summary-table\">\r\n <thead><tr><th>Section<\/th><th>Sub-section<\/th><th>Subject Matter<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n <tbody>\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER I \u2014 PRELIMINARY (Sections 1\u20132)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 1<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">1(1)<\/td><td>Short title \u2014 Right to Information Act, 2005<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">1(2)<\/td><td>Extent \u2014 whole of India [J&K exclusion removed w.e.f. 31-10-2019]<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">1(3)<\/td><td>Commencement \u2014 Sec 4(1), 5(1)&(2), 12, 13, 15, 16, 24, 27, 28 at once; remaining after 120 days (12 Oct 2005)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 2<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(a)<\/td><td><strong>Appropriate Government<\/strong> \u2014 CG\/UT funded \u2192 Central Govt; State funded \u2192 State Govt<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(b)<\/td><td><strong>Central Information Commission<\/strong> \u2014 constituted under Sec 12(1)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(c)<\/td><td><strong>CPIO<\/strong> \u2014 designated under Sec 5(1); includes Central APIO under Sec 5(2)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(d)<\/td><td><strong>CIC & Information Commissioner<\/strong> \u2014 appointed under Sec 12(3)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(e)<\/td><td><strong>Competent Authority<\/strong> \u2014 Speaker, Chairman, CJI, CJ of HC, President\/Governor, Administrator under Art 239<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(f) \u2b50<\/td><td><strong>Information<\/strong> \u2014 any material in any form incl. records, memos, e-mails, opinions, samples, models, electronic data + private body info accessible by PA<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(g)<\/td><td><strong>Prescribed<\/strong> \u2014 by rules made by appropriate Govt or competent authority<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(h) \u2b50<\/td><td><strong>Public Authority<\/strong> \u2014 established under Constitution\/Parliament\/State law\/Govt notification; includes body substantially financed & NGO substantially financed by Govt<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(i)<\/td><td><strong>Record<\/strong> \u2014 document, manuscript, file, microfilm, microfiche, computer-produced material<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(j) \u2b50<\/td><td><strong>Right to Information<\/strong> \u2014 inspection, notes\/extracts\/certified copies, certified samples, electronic mode\/printouts<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(k)<\/td><td><strong>State Information Commission<\/strong> \u2014 constituted under Sec 15(1)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(l)<\/td><td><strong>SCIC & State IC<\/strong> \u2014 appointed under Sec 15(3)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(m)<\/td><td><strong>SPIO<\/strong> \u2014 designated under Sec 5(1); includes State APIO under Sec 5(2)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(n)<\/td><td><strong>Third Party<\/strong> \u2014 person other than requesting citizen; includes a public authority<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER II \u2014 RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND OBLIGATIONS OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES (Sections 3\u201311)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 3<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>All citizens shall have the right to information (subject to the Act)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 4<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(a)<\/td><td>Maintain all records duly catalogued, indexed & computerized through network<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(i)<\/td><td>Publish: particulars of organisation, functions and duties<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(ii)<\/td><td>Publish: powers and duties of officers and employees<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(iii)<\/td><td>Publish: procedure in decision-making, channels of supervision & accountability<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(iv)<\/td><td>Publish: norms set for discharge of functions<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(v)<\/td><td>Publish: rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(vi)<\/td><td>Publish: statement of categories of documents held<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(vii)<\/td><td>Publish: arrangements for consultation with \/ representation by public<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(viii)<\/td><td>Publish: boards, councils, committees \u2014 whether meetings open to public<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(ix)<\/td><td>Publish: directory of officers and employees<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(x)<\/td><td>Publish: monthly remuneration of each officer\/employee<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xi)<\/td><td>Publish: budget allocated, plans, expenditures and disbursements<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xii)<\/td><td>Publish: subsidy programmes \u2014 amounts allocated & details of beneficiaries<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xiii)<\/td><td>Publish: recipients of concessions, permits or authorizations<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xiv)<\/td><td>Publish: information available in electronic form<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xv)<\/td><td>Publish: facilities for citizens \u2014 library\/reading room working hours<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xvi)<\/td><td>Publish: names, designations & particulars of PIOs<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xvii)<\/td><td>Publish: such other information as may be prescribed; update annually<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(c)<\/td><td>Publish all relevant facts while formulating important policies<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(d)<\/td><td>Provide reasons for administrative \/ quasi-judicial decisions to affected persons<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(2)<\/td><td>Constant endeavour for suo motu disclosure through internet at regular intervals<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(3)<\/td><td>Disseminate widely in easily accessible form and manner<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(4)<\/td><td>Disseminate considering cost-effectiveness, local language, electronic format \u2014 free or at prescribed cost<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 5<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">5(1)<\/td><td>Designate CPIOs\/SPIOs in all administrative units within 100 days<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">5(2)<\/td><td>Designate Assistant PIOs at sub-divisional\/sub-district level; +5 days added to response period<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">5(3)<\/td><td>PIO shall deal with requests & render reasonable assistance<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">5(4)<\/td><td>PIO may seek assistance of any other officer<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">5(5)<\/td><td>Assisting officer treated as deemed PIO for purposes of contraventions<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 6<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">6(1)<\/td><td>Request in writing or electronic means in English\/Hindi\/official language with prescribed fee; oral assistance if cannot write<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">6(2)<\/td><td>No reason required for requesting information; no personal details except for contact<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">6(3)<\/td><td>Transfer application to another PA within 5 days if info held elsewhere; inform applicant<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 7<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(1)<\/td><td>Provide info within 30 days; 48 hours if life or liberty concerned<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(2)<\/td><td>Failure to decide within time = deemed refusal<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(3)<\/td><td>Further fee intimation with calculations; intervening period excluded from 30-day count<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(4)<\/td><td>Assistance for sensorily disabled persons for inspection<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(5)<\/td><td>Applicant pays prescribed fee for printed\/electronic access; BPL persons \u2014 no fee<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(6)<\/td><td>If PA fails to comply with time limit \u2192 information provided free of charge<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(7)<\/td><td>Consider representation of third party under Sec 11 before decision<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(8)<\/td><td>On rejection: communicate reasons, appeal period & appellate authority details<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(9)<\/td><td>Info in form sought unless disproportionate diversion of resources or detrimental to record<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 8<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(a)<\/td><td>Exemption: sovereignty, integrity, security, strategic\/scientific\/economic interests, foreign relations, incitement<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(b)<\/td><td>Exemption: expressly forbidden by court\/tribunal; constitutes contempt of court<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(c)<\/td><td>Exemption: would cause breach of privilege of Parliament or State Legislature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(d)<\/td><td>Exemption: commercial confidence, trade secrets, intellectual property \u2014 unless larger public interest<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(e)<\/td><td>Exemption: available in fiduciary relationship \u2014 unless larger public interest<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(f)<\/td><td>Exemption: received in confidence from foreign Government<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(g)<\/td><td>Exemption: endanger life\/physical safety or identify confidential source for law enforcement<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(h)<\/td><td>Exemption: would impede investigation, apprehension or prosecution of offenders<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(i)<\/td><td>Exemption: cabinet papers incl. deliberations of Council of Ministers, Secretaries; decisions made public after matter complete<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(j)<\/td><td>Exemption: personal information [Substituted by DPDP Act 2023 w.e.f. 13-11-2025]<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(2)<\/td><td>Public interest override \u2014 access allowed if public interest outweighs harm; overrides OSA 1923<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(3)<\/td><td>20-year rule \u2014 exemptions (b)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(j) lapse after 20 years; clauses (a)(c)(i) are perpetual<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 9<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>Reject if request involves copyright infringement subsisting in person other than the State<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 10<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">10(1)<\/td><td>Severability \u2014 provide non-exempt part after severing exempt part from the record<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">10(2)<\/td><td>Give notice: only part provided; reasons; name of decision-maker; fee details; appeal rights<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 11<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">11(1)<\/td><td>Third party info: PIO gives written notice within 5 days; invites submission on disclosure<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">11(2)<\/td><td>Third party gets 10 days from notice to make representation against proposed disclosure<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">11(3)<\/td><td>PIO decides within 40 days of original request; gives written notice of decision to third party<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">11(4)<\/td><td>Notice includes statement that third party may prefer appeal under Sec 19<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER III \u2014 THE CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION (Sections 12\u201314)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 12<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(1)<\/td><td>CG constitutes CIC by notification in Official Gazette<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(2)<\/td><td>CIC consists of: Chief Information Commissioner + not exceeding 10 Information Commissioners<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(3)<\/td><td>Appointed by President on recommendation of committee: PM (Chair) + Leader of Opposition (LS) + Union Cabinet Minister<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(4)<\/td><td>Superintendence & management vests in CIC; autonomous, not subjected to directions by any other authority<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(5)<\/td><td>Persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge in law, science, social service, management, journalism, admin<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(6)<\/td><td>Not MP\/MLA; not hold office of profit; not connected with political party; not carry on business\/profession<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(7)<\/td><td>Headquarters at Delhi; may establish other offices with CG approval<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 13<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(1)<\/td><td>CIC term: as prescribed by Central Govt [Amended 2019]; not eligible for reappointment; max age 65<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(2)<\/td><td>IC term: as prescribed by CG [Amended 2019] or till age 65 (whichever earlier); IC eligible for appointment as CIC (aggregate max 5 years)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(3)<\/td><td>Oath\/affirmation before President as per First Schedule<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(4)<\/td><td>May resign by writing to President; may be removed under Sec 14<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(5)<\/td><td>Salaries & allowances: as prescribed by CG [Amended 2019]; not varied to disadvantage after appointment<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(6)<\/td><td>CG to provide officers & employees for efficient performance<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 14<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">14(1)<\/td><td>Removal by President on proved misbehaviour\/incapacity after Supreme Court inquiry<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">14(2)<\/td><td>President may suspend during inquiry<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">14(3)<\/td><td>President may remove without SC reference: (a) insolvent; (b) moral turpitude; (c) paid employment; (d) unfit (infirmity); (e) prejudicial financial interest<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">14(4)<\/td><td>If interested in Govt contract\/profit \u2192 deemed guilty of misbehaviour<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER IV \u2014 THE STATE INFORMATION COMMISSION (Sections 15\u201317)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 15<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(1)<\/td><td>State Govt constitutes SIC by notification<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(2)<\/td><td>SIC consists of: SCIC + not exceeding 10 State Information Commissioners<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(3)<\/td><td>Appointed by Governor on recommendation: CM (Chair) + Leader of Opposition (State Assembly) + Cabinet Minister<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(4)<\/td><td>Superintendence vests in SCIC; autonomous<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(5)<\/td><td>Persons of eminence \u2014 same qualifications as Sec 12(5)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(6)<\/td><td>Same disqualifications as Sec 12(6)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(7)<\/td><td>HQ at place specified by State Govt; may establish other offices with State Govt approval<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 16<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(1)<\/td><td>SCIC term: as prescribed by CG [Amended 2019]; not eligible for reappointment; max age 65<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(2)<\/td><td>SIC term: as prescribed by CG [Amended 2019] or till age 65; SIC eligible as SCIC (aggregate max 5 years)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(3)<\/td><td>Oath\/affirmation before Governor as per First Schedule<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(4)<\/td><td>May resign by writing to Governor; may be removed under Sec 17<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(5)<\/td><td>Salaries: as prescribed by CG [Amended 2019]; not varied to disadvantage<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(6)<\/td><td>State Govt to provide officers & employees<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 17<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">17(1)<\/td><td>Removal by Governor after Supreme Court inquiry for misbehaviour\/incapacity<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">17(2)<\/td><td>Governor may suspend during inquiry<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">17(3)<\/td><td>Governor may remove without SC reference \u2014 same 5 grounds as Sec 14(3)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">17(4)<\/td><td>If interested in State Govt contract\/profit \u2192 deemed guilty of misbehaviour<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER V \u2014 POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPEAL AND PENALTIES (Sections 18\u201320)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 18<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(a)<\/td><td>Complaint: unable to submit request \u2014 no PIO appointed or APIO refused to accept<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(b)<\/td><td>Complaint: refused access to information<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(c)<\/td><td>Complaint: no response within time limit<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(d)<\/td><td>Complaint: unreasonable fee charged<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(e)<\/td><td>Complaint: given incomplete, misleading or false information<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(f)<\/td><td>Complaint: any other matter relating to requesting\/obtaining access to records<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(2)<\/td><td>Commission may initiate inquiry if reasonable grounds exist<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(3)<\/td><td>Same powers as Civil Court: summon, oath, documents, affidavits, requisition records, summons for witnesses<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(4)<\/td><td>May examine any record under control of PA \u2014 no record may be withheld on any ground<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 19<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(1)<\/td><td>First Appeal: to officer senior to PIO within 30 days (condonable)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(2)<\/td><td>Third party appeal against Sec 11 disclosure order \u2014 within 30 days (NOT condonable)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(3)<\/td><td>Second Appeal: to CIC\/SIC within 90 days (condonable)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(4)<\/td><td>If appeal relates to third party info \u2192 give reasonable opportunity of hearing to third party<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(5)<\/td><td>Onus of proof: on PIO who denied the request<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(6)<\/td><td>Dispose first appeal within 30 days, extendable to 45 days (reasons in writing)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(7)<\/td><td>Decision of CIC\/SIC shall be binding<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(8)(a)<\/td><td>Power: require PA to secure compliance \u2014 provide access, appoint PIO, publish info, change practices, training, annual report<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(8)(b)<\/td><td>Power: require PA to compensate complainant for any loss or detriment suffered<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(8)(c)<\/td><td>Power: impose any penalties provided under this Act<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(8)(d)<\/td><td>Power: reject the application<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(9)<\/td><td>Give notice of decision including right of appeal to complainant and PA<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(10)<\/td><td>Decide appeal in accordance with prescribed procedure<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 20<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">20(1)<\/td><td>Penalty: \u20b9250\/day, max \u20b925,000 \u2014 for refusal, delay, malafide denial, false\/incomplete\/misleading info, destruction, obstruction; PIO given hearing; burden on PIO<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">20(2)<\/td><td>Persistent failure \u2192 recommend disciplinary action under service rules<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER VI \u2014 MISCELLANEOUS (Sections 21\u201331)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 21<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>Protection of action taken in good faith \u2014 no suit\/prosecution shall lie<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 22<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>Overriding effect over Official Secrets Act, 1923 and any other law<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 23<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>Bar of jurisdiction of courts \u2014 orders challenged only by appeal under this Act<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 24<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(1)<\/td><td>Act not applicable to intelligence\/security organisations in Second Schedule; Proviso: corruption & human rights info NOT excluded<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(1) Proviso 2<\/td><td>Human rights violation info \u2192 only after CIC approval, within 45 days<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(2)<\/td><td>CG may amend Second Schedule by notification (add\/remove organisations)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(3)<\/td><td>Every notification laid before each House of Parliament<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(4)<\/td><td>State Govt may specify exempt intelligence\/security organisations by notification; same provisos apply<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(5)<\/td><td>Every State notification laid before State Legislature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 25<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">25(1)<\/td><td>CIC\/SIC prepares annual report on implementation; forwards to appropriate Govt<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">25(2)<\/td><td>Each Ministry\/Dept collects & provides info to CIC\/SIC for annual report<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">25(3)<\/td><td>Report includes: (a) requests; (b) refusals with sections; (c) appeals & outcomes; (d) disciplinary actions; (e) fees; (f) compliance efforts; (g) reform recommendations<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">25(4)<\/td><td>Report laid before each House of Parliament \/ State Legislature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">25(5)<\/td><td>Commission may give recommendation to PA if practice does not conform with Act<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 26<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(1)(a)<\/td><td>Develop educational programmes for public (especially disadvantaged communities)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(1)(b)<\/td><td>Encourage PAs to participate in & organise programmes<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(1)(c)<\/td><td>Promote timely & effective dissemination of accurate information by PAs<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(1)(d)<\/td><td>Train CPIOs\/SPIOs; produce relevant training materials<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(2)<\/td><td>Compile guide within 18 months in official language in easily comprehensible form<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(3)<\/td><td>Update & publish guide at regular intervals \u2014 includes objects, PIO addresses, manner of request, fees, remedies<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(4)<\/td><td>Must update and publish guidelines at regular intervals<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 27<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">27(1)<\/td><td>Appropriate Govt may make rules by notification in Official Gazette<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">27(2)<\/td><td>Rules may cover: (a) cost of medium; (b) fee u\/s 6(1); (c) fee u\/s 7; (ca) term of CIC\/IC\/SCIC\/SIC [Ins. 2019]; (cb) salaries [Ins. 2019]; (d) staff terms; (e) appeal procedure; (f) any other matter<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 28<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">28(1)<\/td><td>Competent authority may make rules by notification<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">28(2)<\/td><td>Rules may cover: (i) cost of medium; (ii) fee u\/s 6(1); (iii) fee u\/s 7(1); (iv) any other matter<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 29<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">29(1)<\/td><td>CG rules laid before each House of Parliament for 30 days<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">29(2)<\/td><td>State Govt rules laid before State Legislature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 30<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">30(1)<\/td><td>CG power to remove difficulties by order in Official Gazette (within 2 years of commencement)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">30(2)<\/td><td>Every order laid before each House of Parliament<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 31<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>Freedom of Information Act, 2002 (5 of 2003) is hereby repealed<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">SCHEDULES<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">First Schedule<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">Sec 13(3), 16(3)<\/td><td>Form of Oath \/ Affirmation for CIC \/ IC \/ SCIC \/ SIC<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Second Schedule<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">Sec 24<\/td><td>26 Intelligence & Security Organisations: IB, RAW, DRI, CEIB, ED, NCB, SFF, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, NSG, AR, SSB, DGIT(I), NTRO, FIU, SPG, DRDO, BRO, NSCS, CBI, NIA, NATGRID, SFC<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/main>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\nfunction initScrollSpy(){\r\n const ids=[];\r\n document.querySelectorAll('[id]').forEach(el=>{if(el.closest('.content-area')||el.id==='preamble')ids.push({id:el.id,link:'#'+el.id})});\r\n const links=document.querySelectorAll('.toc-list li a');\r\n window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{\r\n let cur='';\r\n ids.forEach(s=>{const 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[…]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"disabled","ast-banner-title-visibility":"disabled","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"disabled","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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*\/\r\n.def-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px;margin:18px 0 24px}\r\n.def-card{border:1.5px solid var(--border);border-radius:8px;padding:14px 16px;background:#fff;border-left:4px solid #1e6091}\r\n.def-card.starred{border-left-color:#c0392b;background:#fff8f7}\r\n.def-card .def-term{font-size:13px;font-weight:800;color:#1e6091;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;margin-bottom:2px}\r\n.def-card.starred .def-term{color:#c0392b}\r\n.def-card .def-clause{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:var(--muted);letter-spacing:.1em;margin-bottom:6px}\r\n.def-card .def-text{font-size:13px;color:#2c3e50;line-height:1.7}\r\n.def-card .def-text strong{color:#111}\r\n\r\n\/* SUMMARY TABLE *\/\r\n.summary-table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:16px 0 24px;font-size:13px;border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:8px;overflow:hidden}\r\n.summary-table thead tr{background:#1e6091;color:#fff}\r\n.summary-table th{padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase}\r\n.summary-table td{padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--border);color:#2c3e50;vertical-align:top;line-height:1.65}\r\n.summary-table tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f8fbfd}\r\n.summary-table .sec-col{font-weight:700;color:#1e6091;white-space:nowrap;width:100px}\r\n.summary-table .sub-col{font-weight:600;color:#444;width:130px}\r\n.summary-table .ch-row td{background:#fff0f0;font-weight:700;color:#c0392b;border-top:2px solid #c0392b}\r\n\r\n\/* RESPONSIVE *\/\r\n@media(max-width:860px){.wrapper{flex-direction:column}.sidebar{width:100%;min-width:100%;position:static;max-height:none;min-height:auto}.content-area{padding:20px 18px 48px}.hero{padding:48px 24px 44px}.stat-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.elig-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}}\r\n@media(max-width:520px){.hero h1{font-size:24px}.stat-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<\/head>\r\n<body>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"top-alert\">\r\n \ud83d\udd14 Act No. 22 of 2005 | <strong>As amended up to 18th Nov 2025<\/strong> | Amended by: RTI (Amendment) Act 2019, J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, DPDP Act 2023 | <em>Section 8(1)(j) substituted w.e.f. 13-11-2025<\/em>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"breadcrumb-bar\">\r\n <a href=\"#\">Home<\/a><span>\/<\/span>\r\n <a href=\"#\">Notes<\/a><span>\/<\/span>\r\n <a href=\"#\">RTI Act, 2005<\/a><span>\/<\/span>\r\n <strong>Complete Study Notes \u2014 All Sections 1\u201331<\/strong>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wrapper\">\r\n\r\n \r\n <aside class=\"sidebar\">\r\n <div class=\"sb-brand\">\r\n <div class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"name\">CSS ADDA<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sub\">Promotion Exams Portal<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pill\">RTI Act 2005<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"toc-hd\">\ud83d\udccb Table of Contents<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sub-label\">Right to Information Act, 2005 (As Amended)<\/div>\r\n\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#preamble\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcd6<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Preamble & Overview<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u2014<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch I \u2014 Preliminary<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec1\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udccc<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 1 \u2014 Short Title, Extent & Commencement<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a71<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec2\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcd6<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 2 \u2014 Definitions (14 Terms)<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a72<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch II \u2014 Rights & Obligations<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec3\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u2705<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 3 \u2014 Right to Information<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a73<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec4\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 4 \u2014 Obligations (Suo Motu)<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a74<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec5\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udc64<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 5 \u2014 Designation of PIOs<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a75<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec6\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcdd<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 6 \u2014 Request for Information<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a76<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec7\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u23f0<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 7 \u2014 Disposal of Request<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a77<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec8\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udd12<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 8 \u2014 Exemptions (10 Clauses)<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a78<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec9\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 9 \u2014 Copyright Rejection<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a79<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec10\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u2702\ufe0f<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 10 \u2014 Severability<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a710<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec11\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udc65<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 11 \u2014 Third Party Information<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a711<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch III \u2014 Central Info Commission<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec12\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 12 \u2014 Constitution of CIC<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a712<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec13\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 13 \u2014 Term & Conditions<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a713<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec14\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 14 \u2014 Removal of CIC\/IC<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a714<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch IV \u2014 State Info Commission<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec15\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83c\udfe2<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 15 \u2014 Constitution of SIC<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a715<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec16\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 16 \u2014 Term & Conditions<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a716<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec17\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 17 \u2014 Removal of SCIC\/SIC<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a717<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch V \u2014 Powers, Appeal & Penalties<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec18\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udd0d<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 18 \u2014 Powers of Commissions<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a718<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec19\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udce4<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 19 \u2014 Appeal (First & Second)<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a719<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec20\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcb0<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 20 \u2014 Penalties (\u20b9250\/day)<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a720<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">Ch VI \u2014 Miscellaneous<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec21\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 21 \u2014 Good Faith Protection<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a721<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec22\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\u26a1<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 22 \u2014 Overriding Effect<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a722<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec23\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 23 \u2014 Bar of Courts<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a723<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec24\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udd10<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 24 \u2014 Exempt Organisations<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a724<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec25\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcca<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 25 \u2014 Monitoring & Reporting<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a725<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec26\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83c\udf93<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 26 \u2014 Programmes & Guide<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a726<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sec27\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Sec 27\u201331 \u2014 Rules, Repeal etc.<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">\u00a727<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <li><a href=\"#sch2\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udd12<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">Second Schedule \u2014 26 Organisations<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">Sch<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <div class=\"toc-sep\">COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY TABLE<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"toc-list\">\r\n <li><a href=\"#summary\"><span class=\"toc-ic\">\ud83d\udcc1<\/span><span class=\"toc-tx\">COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY TABLEn<\/span><span class=\"toc-n\">D1<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/aside>\r\n\r\n \r\n <main class=\"main\">\r\n <div class=\"hero\">\r\n <div class=\"hero-eyebrow\">\ud83d\udcdc RTI Act \u2014 Study Notes<\/div>\r\n <h1>Right to Information<br>Act, 2005<\/h1>\r\n <p class=\"hero-sub\">Act No. 22 of 2005 | As Amended up to 18th Nov 2025 | Department of Personnel & Training<\/p>\r\n <div class=\"hero-pills\">\r\n <div class=\"pill\"><strong>Extent:<\/strong> Whole of India<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pill\"><strong>Sections:<\/strong> 31 + 2 Schedules<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pill\"><strong>Time Limit:<\/strong> 30 days (48 hrs life\/liberty)<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pill\"><strong>Penalty:<\/strong> \u20b9250\/day, max \u20b925,000<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pill\"><strong>Amended:<\/strong> 2019 & 2023 (DPDP)<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"content-area\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"preamble\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">PREAMBLE<\/span>\r\n <h2>Object & Reasons of the Act<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Right to Information Act, 2005 (No. 22 of 2005)<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"preamble-card\">\r\n <div class=\"preamble-stamp\">\ud83d\udcdc Preamble \u2014 Four Recitals<\/div>\r\n <h4>The Constitutional & Democratic Foundation<\/h4>\r\n <p><strong>WHEREAS<\/strong> the Constitution of India has established a <strong>Democratic Republic<\/strong>;<\/p>\r\n <p><strong>AND WHEREAS<\/strong> democracy requires an <strong>informed citizenry<\/strong> and transparency of information which are vital to its functioning and also to <strong>contain corruption<\/strong> and to hold Governments accountable;<\/p>\r\n <p><strong>AND WHEREAS<\/strong> revelation of information is likely to <strong>conflict with other public interests<\/strong> including efficient operations, fiscal resources and confidentiality;<\/p>\r\n <p><strong>AND WHEREAS<\/strong> it is necessary to <strong>harmonize these conflicting interests<\/strong> while preserving the <strong>paramountcy of the democratic ideal<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"callout teal\">\r\n <div class=\"callout-label\">\ud83d\udccc Amending Acts (3 Amendments)<\/div>\r\n <p><strong>1.<\/strong> RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 (24 of 2019) \u2014 term\/salary of CIC\/IC prescribed by Central Govt. <strong>2.<\/strong> J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 (34 of 2019) \u2014 \"except J&K\" omitted w.e.f. 31-10-2019. <strong>3.<\/strong> Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (22 of 2023) \u2014 Section 8(1)(j) substituted w.e.f. 13-11-2025.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch1\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER I<\/span>\r\n <h2>Preliminary<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 1 & 2<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec1\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 1<\/span>\r\n <h3>Short Title, Extent & Commencement<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccc<\/span><span>This Act may be called the <strong>Right to Information Act, 2005<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f<\/span><span>Extends to the <strong>whole of India<\/strong>. <span class=\"amend-badge\">J&K exclusion removed w.e.f. 31-10-2019<\/span><\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a1<\/span><span><strong>Immediate effect:<\/strong> Sec 4(1), Sec 5(1)&(2), Sec 12, 13, 15, 16, 24, 27, 28.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span><strong>Remaining provisions:<\/strong> 120th day of enactment = <strong>12th October 2005<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec2\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 2<\/span>\r\n <h3>Definitions \u2014 14 Key Terms<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<p>In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms have the meanings assigned below:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"compare-table\">\r\n <thead><tr><th style=\"width:200px;\">Term \u2014 Clause<\/th><th>Definition<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n <tbody>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Appropriate Government<\/strong> \u2014 2(a)<\/td><td>In relation to a public authority established, constituted, owned, controlled or substantially financed by funds provided \u2014<br> (i) by the <strong>Central Government or UT administration<\/strong> \u2192 the Central Government; <br>(ii) by the <strong>State Government<\/strong> \u2192 the State Government.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n \r\n <tr><td><strong>Central Public Information Officer<\/strong> \u2014 2(c)<\/td><td>The CPIO designated under <strong>Section 5(1)<\/strong>; includes a Central <strong>Assistant Public Information Officer<\/strong> designated under <strong>Section 5(2)<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n \r\n <tr><td><strong>Competent Authority<\/strong> \u2014 2(e)<\/td><td>(i) <strong>Speaker<\/strong> \u2014 House of the People or State Legislative Assembly; <br>(ii) <strong>Chairman<\/strong> \u2014 Council of States or State Legislative Council; <br>(iii) <strong>Chief Justice of India<\/strong> \u2014 Supreme Court; <br>(iv) <strong>Chief Justice of HC<\/strong> \u2014 High Court; <br>(v) <strong>President or Governor<\/strong> \u2014 other authorities under the Constitution; <br>(vi) <strong>Administrator<\/strong> appointed under Article 239.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Information<\/strong> \u2014 2(f) \u2b50<\/td><td>Any material in <strong>any form<\/strong>, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, <strong>samples, models<\/strong>, data material held in any <strong>electronic form<\/strong>, and information relating to any <strong>private body<\/strong> which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Prescribed<\/strong> \u2014 2(g)<\/td><td>Means prescribed by <strong>rules made under this Act<\/strong> by the appropriate Government or the competent authority, as the case may be.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Public Authority<\/strong> \u2014 2(h) \u2b50<\/td><td>Any authority or body or institution of self-government established or constituted \u2014 <br>(a) by or under the <strong>Constitution<\/strong>; <br>(b) by any law made by <strong>Parliament<\/strong>;<br> (c) by any law made by <strong>State Legislature<\/strong>;<br> (d) by <strong>notification or order<\/strong> by the appropriate Government.<br><br><strong>Also includes:<\/strong> <br>(i) body owned, controlled or <strong>substantially financed<\/strong>; <br>(ii) <strong>NGO substantially financed<\/strong> directly or indirectly by funds provided by the appropriate Government.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Record<\/strong> \u2014 2(i)<\/td><td>Includes \u2014 <br>(a) any document, manuscript and file; <br>(b) any microfilm, microfiche and facsimile copy of a document; <br>(c) any reproduction of image or images embodied in such microfilm;<br> (d) any other material produced by a <strong>computer or any other device<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>Right to Information<\/strong> \u2014 2(j) \u2b50<\/td><td>The right to information accessible under this Act, held by or under the control of any public authority, and includes the right to \u2014<br> (i) <strong>inspection<\/strong> of work, documents, records;<br> (ii) taking <strong>notes, extracts or certified copies<\/strong> of documents or records; <br>(iii) taking <strong>certified samples<\/strong> of material; <br>(iv) obtaining information in the form of <strong>diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes or any other electronic mode or printouts<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n <tr><td><strong>Third Party<\/strong> \u2014 2(n)<\/td><td>A person <strong>other than the citizen<\/strong> making a request for information and <strong>includes a public authority<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 2 (Definitions)<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udce2 Oral Instructions Must Be Recorded (SC \u2014 T.S.R. Subramanian v. UOI, 2013)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC directed that all oral instructions by superiors must be <strong>recorded in writing<\/strong> for accountability. Oral directions, if not recorded, defeat the object of the RTI Act and give room for <strong>favouritism and corruption<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb Form of Information \u2014 PIO Cannot Ask to Download from Website<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>PIO <strong>cannot ask applicant to download<\/strong> from website. Must provide <strong>hard copies<\/strong> on payment of cost.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdd File Notings \u2014 Can Be Disclosed (DoPT O.M. 23 June 2009)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>File notings <strong>can be disclosed<\/strong> except notings containing information exempt under Sec 8.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Public Authority \u2014 Co-operative Societies (SC \u2014 Thalappalam, 2013)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>A co-operative society is <strong>not a PA<\/strong> unless it is <strong>controlled<\/strong> or <strong>substantially financed<\/strong> by Govt. <strong>Burden to prove<\/strong> \u2192 on the applicant or appropriate Govt.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Substantial Finance (SC \u2014 D.A.V. College v. DPI, 2019)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>If NGOs\/bodies get substantial finance from Govt, citizens can ask how their money is used. <strong>Grant-in-aid covering ~50% expenditure or 95% of salary = substantially financed = Public Authority<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Ministers Are NOT Public Authority (Delhi HC \u2014 UOI v. CIC, 2017)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Delhi HC <strong>set aside<\/strong> CIC decision declaring Ministers as \"public authority\" under Sec 2(h). CIC had gone beyond scope of the matter.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd11 Opinions, Hypothetical Questions & Creation of Info<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Opinions:<\/strong> \"Opinion\" is \"information\" only if held in <strong>material form<\/strong>. PIO gives information, not personal opinion.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Hypothetical questions:<\/strong> PIO not obligated to create info, interpret info, or furnish replies to hypothetical questions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Information in memory:<\/strong> No obligation to disclose information existing only <strong>in memory<\/strong> of a public authority.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Gazette info:<\/strong> Even if info is in Gazette, PIO is <strong>bound to furnish<\/strong> \u2014 cannot ask applicant to search elsewhere.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Unsigned documents:<\/strong> Copies of unsigned documents can be provided, certifying they are unsigned.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\uddd1\ufe0f Destruction \/ Weeding of Records<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If records destroyed per procedure \u2192 PIO must provide <strong>copy of rules under which files were weeded out<\/strong> + certificate to that effect.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If records <strong>untraceable<\/strong> (not confirmed non-existent) \u2192 PIO must demonstrate <strong>diligent search<\/strong> was conducted.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc4 Compilation of Information \u2014 PIO Cannot Reshape Info (DoPT O.M.)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>PIO shall supply material <strong>in the form as held<\/strong> by the PA. Not required to <strong>deduce conclusions<\/strong> from the material. PIO is not required to <strong>do research<\/strong> on behalf of the citizen.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If info sought in photocopy form \u2192 provide photocopy. If in floppy \u2192 provide in floppy. But PIO shall <strong>not re-shape<\/strong> the information.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb Form of Access \u2014 Cannot Create If Not Available in Requested Form<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>If requested info is <strong>not available in electronic form<\/strong>, it does <strong>not have to be created<\/strong> for the appellant.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f Appropriate Forum \u2014 RTI Is Not for Entitlements<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>RTI liability is only to furnish information on <strong>\"as it is\" \"where it is\"<\/strong> basis. If earned leave is wrongly calculated \u2192 agitate before <strong>Competent Authority<\/strong>. RTI is <strong>not the forum<\/strong> for going into entitlements and calculations.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfa5 Videography \u2014 Not Prohibited<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>If applicant wishes to make copies of records given for inspection at <strong>his own expense<\/strong>, PA cannot object to the <strong>form<\/strong> (including <strong>videography<\/strong>). No provision in the Act disallowing it, provided it is restricted to permissible information.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc64 Information Held by Citizen Himself<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If citizen already holds the info (e.g., copies of his own letters to PA) \u2192 PA need only confirm <strong>whether or not his letters were received<\/strong> and their dates. PA has <strong>no obligation beyond this<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch2\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER II<\/span>\r\n <h2>Right to Information & Obligations of Public Authorities<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 3 to 11<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec3\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 3<\/span>\r\n <h3>Right to Information \u2014 All Citizens<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p>Subject to the provisions of this Act, <strong>all citizens<\/strong> shall have the right to information. Only <strong>citizens<\/strong> \u2014 not corporations, societies, foreigners or other legal entities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 3<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc64 Who Is a \"Citizen\"? \u2014 DoPT Guide & CIC Ruling<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>DoPT Guide (Para 8): Act gives right <strong>only to citizens<\/strong>. Not to corporations, associations, companies etc. But if <strong>employee\/office bearer<\/strong> applies <strong>in his own name<\/strong> as a citizen \u2192 info may be supplied.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>Even if info sought by <strong>office bearer of an Association\/Union<\/strong> \u2192 treated as <strong>valid<\/strong> under RTI Act.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec4\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 4<\/span>\r\n <h3>Obligations of Public Authorities \u2014 Suo Motu Disclosure<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p><strong>4(1)(a)<\/strong> \u2014 Maintain all records <strong>duly catalogued, indexed and computerized<\/strong> through network.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>4(1)(b)<\/strong> \u2014 Publish <strong>within 120 days<\/strong> and <strong>update annually<\/strong> the following <strong>17 categories<\/strong>:<\/p>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2460<\/span><span>Organisation, functions and duties<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2461<\/span><span>Powers and duties of officers\/employees<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2462<\/span><span>Decision-making procedure, supervision and accountability<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2463<\/span><span>Norms for discharge of functions<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2464<\/span><span>Rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2465<\/span><span>Categories of documents held<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2466<\/span><span>Arrangements for public consultation \/ representation<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2467<\/span><span>Boards, councils, committees \u2014 whether meetings are public<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2468<\/span><span>Directory of officers and employees<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2469<\/span><span>Monthly remuneration of each officer\/employee<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246a<\/span><span>Budget, plans, expenditures and disbursements<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246b<\/span><span>Subsidy programmes \u2014 amounts and beneficiaries<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246c<\/span><span>Recipients of concessions, permits, authorizations<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246d<\/span><span>Information in electronic form<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246e<\/span><span>Facilities for citizens \u2014 library\/reading room hours<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u246f<\/span><span>Names, designations of PIOs<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2470<\/span><span>Such other information as prescribed<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><strong>4(1)(c)<\/strong> \u2014 Publish all relevant facts while formulating important policies. <strong>4(1)(d)<\/strong> \u2014 Provide <strong>reasons for administrative\/quasi-judicial decisions<\/strong> to affected persons.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>4(2)<\/strong> \u2014 It shall be a constant endeavour of every public authority to provide as much information <strong>suo motu<\/strong> to the public at regular intervals through various means of communications, including <strong>internet<\/strong>, so that the public have minimum resort to the use of this Act.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>4(3)<\/strong> \u2014 Every information shall be disseminated widely and in such form and manner which is <strong>easily accessible to the public<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>4(4)<\/strong> \u2014 All materials shall be disseminated taking into consideration the <strong>cost effectiveness, local language<\/strong> and the most effective method of communication in that local area. Information should be easily accessible, to the extent possible in <strong>electronic format<\/strong> with the PIO, available <strong>free or at such cost<\/strong> of the medium or print cost price as may be prescribed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 4<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcbb Computerization of Land Records Directed<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>CIC directed Chief Secretary, NCT Delhi to ensure land records are <strong>catalogued, indexed, computerized & networked<\/strong> per Sec 4(1)(a). Govt to make finances available.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccc Display Boards in Local Language Directed<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>CIC directed display board <strong>in Telugu<\/strong> at prominent places showing PIO\/FAA particulars + designate <strong>APIOs at Anganwadis<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Compensation for Non-Publication \u2014 Landmark<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>CIC awarded <strong>\u20b91,000 each<\/strong> for non-publication of Old Age Pension beneficiaries under Sec 4(1)(b)(xiii) r\/w 4(1)(d). Penalty u\/s 20 not applicable, but <strong>compensation u\/s 19(8)(b)<\/strong> payable.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udf10 Continuous Improvement of Voluntary Disclosure<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>Sec 4(2)&(3) calls for <strong>continuous improvement<\/strong>. Citizen <strong>can complain<\/strong> if Dept has not updated information causing damage.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec5\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 5<\/span>\r\n <h3>Designation of Public Information Officers<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udc64<\/span><span><strong>Within 100 days<\/strong> of enactment, every PA shall designate CPIOs\/SPIOs in all administrative units.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccd<\/span><span>Also designate <strong>Assistant PIOs at sub-divisional\/sub-district level<\/strong> to receive applications and forward them.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span>If application given to APIO \u2192 <strong>5 extra days added<\/strong> to the response period of Sec 7(1).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83e\udd1d<\/span><span>PIO shall <strong>render reasonable assistance<\/strong> to persons seeking information.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>PIO may seek <strong>assistance of any other officer<\/strong> \u2192 that officer treated as PIO for contraventions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 5<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdd Can APIO Sign a Response Letter?<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>No legal difficulty in PIO using APIO to <strong>transmit<\/strong> his decision. But order must <strong>clearly state<\/strong> it was from PIO, with PIO's name & designation. APIO's role is <strong>limited to receiving & forwarding<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83e\udd1d Courtesy \u2014 DoPT O.M. (24 June 2008)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>PIO's duty is <strong>not confined to furnishing info<\/strong> \u2014 also to provide <strong>necessary help<\/strong> and be <strong>courteous<\/strong>. Respect dignity of information-seeker. PIOs must attend training programmes.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd04 Multiple PIOs \u2014 No Transfer Within Same PA<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>If multiple PIOs in same PA \u2192 <strong>cannot ask citizen to approach another PIO<\/strong> or transfer to another PIO within same PA. Transfer only to <strong>another PA<\/strong> under Sec 6(3).<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc64 Other Officers as Deemed PIO<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>PIO's colleague who was sought for assistance u\/s 5(5) becomes <strong>deemed PIO<\/strong> and is expected to provide the required information to the PIO who received the original request.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec6\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 6<\/span>\r\n <h3>Request for Obtaining Information<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdd<\/span><span>Request in <strong>writing or electronic means<\/strong> in English, Hindi or <strong>official language of the area<\/strong>, with prescribed fee.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f<\/span><span>If person <strong>cannot write<\/strong> \u2192 PIO shall assist to <strong>reduce oral request in writing<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>Applicant <strong>NOT required to give any reason<\/strong> for requesting information.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udd04<\/span><span>If information held by <strong>another PA<\/strong> \u2192 transfer application <strong>within 5 days<\/strong> and inform applicant.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 6<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f SC: PIO Must Listen & Write Down Oral Request (Aseer Jamal v. UOI, 2018)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>It is <strong>obligatory<\/strong> on PIO to render all reasonable assistance to persons making request <strong>orally<\/strong> to reduce the same in writing. Assistance includes Braille script and audio files for visually impaired.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdd Request Must Be Specific But Need Not Point to File Numbers<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Request must <strong>specify particulars of information<\/strong> as defined in Sec 2(f). Cannot simply ask for \"inspection of proceedings\".<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>But applicant <strong>need not give file\/permission numbers<\/strong> \u2014 common man cannot ascertain these. PIO must search records using the identifier provided (e.g., house number).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab Handwritten Application Cannot Be Rejected<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>PIO rejected handwritten request. CIC condemned: Act specifically provides for applications <strong>\"in writing\"<\/strong>. Refusal because application is handwritten = <strong>not reasonable cause<\/strong> u\/s 20(1)&(2).<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Excess Fee \u2014 Cannot Reject Application<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>Rejection on ground of <strong>excess payment<\/strong> of fee (\u20b920 instead of \u20b910) is <strong>not correct<\/strong>. Higher denomination stamps are routinely accepted by courts and authorities.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd12 Identity of Requester \u2014 Must Not Be Disclosed (Calcutta HC \u2014 Avishek Goenka, 2013)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Authority <strong>should not insist upon requester's whereabouts<\/strong>. When uploading RTI replies on website, <strong>personal details of applicant<\/strong> (name, address, email, phone) must <strong>not be disclosed<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd04 Transfer \u2014 Must Transfer Application, Not Merely Advise<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>Sec 6(3) requires <strong>transfer of the application<\/strong> to concerned PA \u2014 not simply advising applicant to make fresh application elsewhere.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfe6 Banker's Cheque Is a Pay Order<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>CIC clarified: Banker's Cheque is a cheque <strong>issued by the Bank itself<\/strong> (commonly called \"pay order\"), not from personal account. It is valid for fee payment.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83e\udd1d Personal Discussion with Requester \u2014 Recommended<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>CIC recommended: in all such matters, it is better to <strong>call the petitioner for a discussion<\/strong> about what precise information he seeks. Personal discussion would have <strong>avoided litigation<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccd Address of NGO \u2260 Institutional Request<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>Appellant applied in <strong>his own name<\/strong> but gave address of an NGO. CIC held: merely giving address of an NGO <strong>does not imply<\/strong> the institution is seeking information.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd04 DoPT Transfer Guide \u2014 4 Scenarios (O.M. 12 June 2008)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2460<\/span><span><strong>Info concerns another PA:<\/strong> Transfer application. If PIO cannot identify the PA \u2192 inform applicant; PIO must prove he made <strong>reasonable efforts<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2461<\/span><span><strong>Part info with PA, part with another PA:<\/strong> Supply own part + <strong>send copy of application<\/strong> to other PA.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2462<\/span><span><strong>Info scattered with multiple PAs:<\/strong> Supply own part + <strong>advise applicant to make separate applications<\/strong>. Act uses singular \"another public authority\" not \"other public authorities\".<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2463<\/span><span><strong>Info concerns a State Govt PA:<\/strong> Inform applicant; <strong>need not transfer<\/strong> to State Govt\/UT.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec7\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 7<\/span>\r\n <h3>Disposal of Request \u2014 Time Limits<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u23f0<\/span><span><strong>7(1):<\/strong> Provide information within <strong>30 days<\/strong> of receipt of request. If life or liberty concerned \u2192 within <strong>48 hours<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u23f0<\/span><span><strong>35 days<\/strong> \u2014 If application received via APIO (+5 days). <strong>40 days<\/strong> \u2014 Third party information (Sec 11).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>7(2):<\/strong> If no decision within the prescribed time \u2192 <strong>deemed refusal<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcb0<\/span><span><strong>Further fee:<\/strong> If additional cost involved \u2192 PIO intimates details + calculations. Period between intimation & payment <strong>excluded<\/strong> from 30-day count.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u267f<\/span><span><strong>Sensorily disabled:<\/strong> PIO shall provide <strong>appropriate assistance<\/strong> for inspection.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83c\udd93<\/span><span><strong>BPL persons:<\/strong> No fee charged. Also, if PA <strong>fails to comply with time limit<\/strong> \u2192 information provided <strong>free of charge<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>On rejection: PIO must communicate <strong>reasons, appeal period, and appellate authority details<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc4<\/span><span>Information in the <strong>form sought<\/strong> unless it would disproportionately divert resources or harm the record.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 7<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcec Proof of Dispatch Recommended<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>CIC recommended PIOs should ensure <strong>proof of dispatch<\/strong> \u2014 send replies under UPC cover or by <strong>Registered\/Speed Post<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u23f0 Life & Liberty \u2014 What Qualifies (CIC Ruling)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>For 48-hour treatment: application must be accompanied with <strong>substantive evidence<\/strong> (e.g., medical report) that threat to life\/liberty exists.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>Programmes for <strong>demolition of inhabited structures<\/strong> = concern for life & liberty. CPIO must satisfy himself before ruling otherwise.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Fees \u2014 SC: RTI Fee vs. Institutional Fee (ICSI v. Paras Jain, 2019)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>If candidate seeks info <strong>under RTI Act<\/strong> \u2192 payment as per RTI Rules only. If under institution's own guidelines \u2192 institution may charge its own fees. The two avenues are <strong>not mutually exclusive<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f Language Assistance (Delhi HC \u2014 Suresh Chand Gupta)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>If petitioner <strong>not conversant in English<\/strong> \u2192 PIO must allow inspection with <strong>assistance of counsel or someone conversant in English<\/strong>. Denial = withholding access.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb DoPT Format for RTI Replies (O.M. 6 Oct 2015)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Reply must contain: (i) RTI application number & date; (ii) name\/designation\/phone\/email of CPIO; (iii) if denied \u2192 <strong>detailed reasons citing relevant sections<\/strong>; (iv) if transferred \u2192 details of other PA; (v) <strong>First Appeal details<\/strong> with name\/address\/phone\/email of FAA; (vi) certified copies endorsed <em>\"True copy supplied under RTI Act\"<\/em> with CPIO signature + seal.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab Rejecting Request \u2014 Must Cite Specific Section & Give Reasons<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Merely quoting bare clause<\/strong> of Sec 8 without justification = <strong>malafide denial<\/strong> attracting penalties u\/s 20(1). PIO must intimate <strong>how and why<\/strong> the exemption is applicable.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>PIO should: (a) indicate <strong>section and clause<\/strong> under which request rejected; (b) give <strong>grounds for exemption<\/strong>; (c) give own <strong>name and name of appellate officer<\/strong>; (d) give <strong>clear-cut replies<\/strong> to all queries.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc4 Sec 7(9) \u2014 Disproportionate Diversion Is NOT an Exemption<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span>Sec 7(9) does <strong>NOT authorize a PA to deny information<\/strong>. It simply allows providing info in a <strong>different form<\/strong> easy to access (e.g., hard copy instead of electronic if converting hundreds of files would be disproportionate).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Can also be used for <strong>scoping<\/strong> \u2014 appellant directed to <strong>minimize and prioritize<\/strong> requirement, keeping cost-effectiveness in mind.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec8\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 8<\/span>\r\n <h3>Exemption from Disclosure \u2014 10 Clauses<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"compare-table\">\r\n <thead><tr><th>Clause<\/th><th>Exempted Information<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n <tbody>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(a)<\/strong><\/td><td>Prejudicially affects <strong>sovereignty, integrity, security, strategic\/scientific\/economic interests<\/strong>, foreign relations, or leads to incitement of offence<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(b)<\/strong><\/td><td>Forbidden by <strong>court\/tribunal<\/strong> to publish, or constitutes <strong>contempt of court<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(c)<\/strong><\/td><td>Would cause <strong>breach of privilege<\/strong> of Parliament or State Legislature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(d)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Commercial confidence, trade secrets, IP<\/strong> \u2014 unless larger public interest warrants disclosure<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(e)<\/strong><\/td><td>Available in <strong>fiduciary relationship<\/strong> \u2014 unless larger public interest warrants<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(f)<\/strong><\/td><td>Received in <strong>confidence from foreign Government<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(g)<\/strong><\/td><td>Would <strong>endanger life\/physical safety<\/strong> or identify <strong>confidential source<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(h)<\/strong><\/td><td>Would <strong>impede investigation, apprehension or prosecution<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(i)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cabinet papers<\/strong> incl. deliberations of Council of Ministers, Secretaries. <em>Proviso:<\/em> Decisions + reasons made public <strong>after matter is complete<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td><strong>8(1)(j)<\/strong> <span class=\"amend-badge\">DPDP 2023<\/span><\/td><td>Information which relates to <strong>personal information<\/strong> [Substituted w.e.f. 13-11-2025 by DPDP Act]<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"callout red\">\r\n <div class=\"callout-label\">\u26a0\ufe0f Key Provisos & Overrides<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u25aa\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>8(2) \u2014 Public Interest Override:<\/strong> Notwithstanding Official Secrets Act 1923 or any exemption in 8(1), PA <strong>may allow access<\/strong> if public interest in disclosure <strong>outweighs<\/strong> harm to protected interests.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u25aa\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>8(3) \u2014 20-Year Rule:<\/strong> Except clauses (a), (c) and (i), any information relating to an event <strong>20+ years old<\/strong> shall be provided to any person.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 8 (Exemptions)<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Sub-Judice Matters \u2014 No Blanket Exemption<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>RTI Act provides <strong>no exemption for sub-judice matters<\/strong>. Only exemption in 8(1)(b) is what a court has <strong>expressly forbidden<\/strong> to publish or what constitutes contempt. A person who goes to court cannot be denied information about <strong>himself<\/strong> on pretext of sub-judice.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdc Drafts of Judgments \u2014 Not Disclosable (CIC Full Bench)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Draft judgments, jottings and notes by judges while hearing cases are <strong>not part of record \"held\"<\/strong> by the PA. Any intrusion in judicial work under RTI is <strong>unnecessary<\/strong>. Sec 8(1)(b) gives total discretion to the court\/tribunal.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfe6 Bank Defaulters List \u2014 Must Be Disclosed (SC \u2014 RBI v. Jayantilal Mistry, 2015)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC upheld 11 CIC decisions directing RBI to disclose list of bank defaulters. Information about <strong>top defaulters must be brought to citizens' knowledge<\/strong>. RBI's claim of fiduciary capacity was <strong>totally misconceived<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>\"All information held by them is <strong>owned by citizens<\/strong>, who are sovereign.\" CIC directed RBI to <strong>display defaulter list on website<\/strong> under Sec 4(1)(b)(xvii).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc4 Contracts \u2014 Not Confidential After Completion<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>A contract with a PA is <strong>not \"confidential\" after completion<\/strong>. Quotations\/bids\/tenders <strong>before conclusion<\/strong> = trade secret. <strong>Once concluded<\/strong> \u2192 confidentiality cannot be claimed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span>Jharkhand HC: Once tender is decided and work order issued \u2192 tender documents <strong>cannot be kept secret<\/strong> as trade secret. Disclosure shows <strong>transparency in Govt activities<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay \u2014 Evaluated Answer Scripts (SC, 2011)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Examining bodies must <strong>permit inspection<\/strong> of evaluated answer scripts. RTI is a <strong>cherished right<\/strong>. But equal importance given to <strong>exemptions in Sec 8(1)<\/strong> \u2014 PIO must balance disclosure against exemptions based on facts.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f Sec 8(2) \u2014 \"Legal Revolution\" (SC \u2014 Yashwant Sinha v. CBI, 2019)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Justice K.M. Joseph: Sec 8(2) is a <strong>\"legal revolution\"<\/strong> \u2014 none of the exemptions in Sec 8(1) or Official Secrets Act can block access if <strong>public interest in disclosure outweighs harm<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>RTI Act through Sec 8(2) conferred a <strong>\"priceless right\"<\/strong> \u2014 citizens can demand info even on matters of <strong>national security and foreign relations<\/strong> if public interest is established.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc64 Personal Info \u2014 Travelling Expenses, Leave Records, ACRs<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Travel expenses<\/strong> charged to public account cannot be denied as \"personal info\" \u2014 they are <strong>public records<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>LTC disbursals:<\/strong> Amounts claimed, block years, sanction details \u2192 disclosable. Names of family members, age \u2192 personal, <strong>not disclosable<\/strong>. Use Sec 10 to sever.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Leave records:<\/strong> Personal info with no public interest \u2192 not disclosable. But <strong>number of officials<\/strong> on leave (without names) \u2192 can be disclosed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>ACRs:<\/strong> SC in <em>Dev Dutt v. UOI (2008)<\/em> \u2014 Every entry (not just adverse) must be <strong>communicated<\/strong> to employee. Non-communication = <strong>arbitrary, violates Art 14<\/strong>. Grading chart (not detailed ACRs) \u2192 disclosable.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Marks of selected candidates:<\/strong> Selection to Govt post = <strong>larger public interest<\/strong>. Info about marks of self + selected candidates must be furnished.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc5 Time-Limited Exemptions \u2014 Perpetual vs. 20-Year<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Perpetual exemptions<\/strong> (no 20-year limit): Clauses (a), (c) and (i) \u2014 sovereignty, parliamentary privilege, cabinet papers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Time-limited exemptions<\/strong> (20-year limit): Clauses (b), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (j) \u2014 cannot be applied on records <strong>more than 20 years old<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd12 Classification as \"Confidential\" \u2014 OSA Overridden<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Classification as \"confidential\" under Official Secrets Act <strong>cannot withhold info<\/strong> \u2014 Sec 22 gives RTI Act overriding effect. Appellate Authority cannot withhold on ground of OSA classification. However, PA may <strong>classify items under Sec 8(1)<\/strong> as confidential, limiting other authorities' discretion.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc2 8(1)(b) \u2014 Court Records & Sub-Judice Matters<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Court records:<\/strong> If court rules permit furnishing copies of affidavits\/documents to third parties \u2192 must furnish. If rules silent \u2192 furnish. If rules prohibit \u2192 communicate relevant rules.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Sub-judice matters:<\/strong> RTI Act provides <strong>NO exemption<\/strong> for sub-judice matters. Only what a court has <strong>expressly forbidden<\/strong> or what constitutes <strong>contempt<\/strong> is exempt. Mere pendency of litigation \u2260 exemption.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Contempt:<\/strong> Sec 3 of Contempt of Courts Act 1971 \u2014 publication is contempt only if judicial proceeding is <strong>pending<\/strong> (after charge-sheet filed). Publication <strong>before<\/strong> charge-sheet \u2192 not contempt.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f 8(1)(b) \u2014 Drafts of Judgments Not Disclosable (CIC Full Bench)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Draft judgments, jottings by judges = <strong>not part of record \"held\"<\/strong> by PA. SC in <em>Surendra Singh v. State of UP<\/em>: \"Draft judgments, however heavily signed, are <strong>not the judgments<\/strong>.\" Any RTI intrusion into judicial work is <strong>unnecessary<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f 8(1)(c) \u2014 Breach of Privilege of Parliament<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Committee of Privileges (14th Lok Sabha): Situations include \u2014 proceedings of <strong>secret sittings<\/strong> (Rule 248); proceedings\/evidence\/report of a <strong>Parliamentary Committee before it is reported to the House<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>Submissions made before a <strong>Parliamentary Standing Committee<\/strong> are treated as <strong>confidential<\/strong>. Documents become <strong>property of Parliament<\/strong>. Department cannot disclose without Committee's authorization.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdd 8(1)(d) \u2014 Civil Services Examination Marks (Delhi HC)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Delhi HC directed UPSC to disclose: <strong>marks obtained<\/strong> in Prelims, <strong>cut-off marks<\/strong>, and <strong>model answers<\/strong>. SC dismissed UPSC's SLP as UPSC had already changed examination pattern.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb 8(1)(d)(e) \u2014 IT Returns = Fiduciary; Legal Opinion = Fiduciary<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>IT Returns:<\/strong> Filed in <strong>fiduciary capacity<\/strong>, include commercial activities details, relate to third person \u2192 exempt u\/s 8(1)(j).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Legal opinion<\/strong> obtained from an advocate \u2192 justifiably denied u\/s <strong>8(1)(d) and (e)<\/strong> (fiduciary capacity).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f 8(1)(e) \u2014 Tax Evasion Petition \u2014 Access Is Rule, Exemption Is Exception (Delhi HC)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Delhi HC in <em>Bhagat Singh v. CIC<\/em>: <strong>Access to information is the rule<\/strong>, exemptions under Sec 8 are the <strong>exception<\/strong>. Sec 8 being a restriction on fundamental right must be <strong>strictly construed<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Mere <strong>existence of investigation<\/strong> cannot be ground for refusal. Authority must show <strong>satisfactory reasons<\/strong> why release would <strong>hamper investigation<\/strong> \u2014 reasons must be germane and opinion reasonable.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f 8(1)(g) \u2014 Interview Board Names Endanger Lives (SC)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC in <em>Bihar PSC v. Saiyed Hussain Abbas Rizwi<\/em>: Disclosure of <strong>names and addresses of Interview Board members<\/strong> would <strong>ex facie endanger their lives or physical safety<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f 8(1)(g) \u2014 Police Visitors Register Not Disclosable<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>If Visitors Register of police crime offices made openly accessible \u2192 may <strong>compromise sources of information<\/strong> and <strong>endanger visitors' lives<\/strong>. Exemption u\/s 8(1)(g) fully applies.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb 8(1)(h) \u2014 FIR Must Be Uploaded Online (SC \u2014 Youth Bar Association, 2016)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC directed: FIRs (except sensitive \u2014 sexual offences, terrorism, POCSO) shall be <strong>uploaded on police website within 24 hours<\/strong> (extendable to 48-72 hrs for connectivity issues).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Accused entitled to <strong>copy of FIR<\/strong> on payment of fee, within <strong>24 hours<\/strong>. Decision not to upload \u2192 only by officer <strong>not below DSP rank<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd0d 8(1)(h) \u2014 \"Investigation\" Includes Departmental Inquiry<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>CIC Division Bench: \"Investigation\" u\/s 8(1)(h) should be construed <strong>broadly<\/strong> \u2014 includes all <strong>enquiries, verification of records, assessments<\/strong> in specific cases. Investigation complete only when <strong>competent authority makes determination<\/strong> about culpability.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>In <strong>vigilance\/misconduct\/disciplinary<\/strong> cases \u2192 assumption of <strong>continuing investigation<\/strong> till competent authority decides. <strong>Premature disclosure<\/strong> of investigation report can permanently <strong>tar employee's reputation<\/strong> even if eventually exonerated.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>But once <strong>charge sheet served<\/strong>, cannot plead continuing investigation. Each case examined <strong>independently on facts<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcc1 8(1)(i) \u2014 Cabinet Papers \u2014 Detailed CIC Rulings<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Arvind Kejriwal case:<\/strong> Since decision on FDI in Single Brand Retail was <strong>taken and notified<\/strong> and no Sec 8 exemption claimed \u2192 Cabinet note and Cabinet decision <strong>should have been furnished<\/strong>, applying severability under Sec 10(1).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Mercy petition files:<\/strong> File notings\/correspondence between MHA and President's Secretariat are <strong>NOT part of \"ministerial advice\"<\/strong> protected by Art 74(2). They are <strong>\"material\"<\/strong> on which advice is based \u2192 disclosable after testing against Sec 8. Names of officials may be severed u\/s 8(1)(g).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>CIC interpretation:<\/strong> Sec 8(1)(i) exempts \u2014 (i) cabinet papers; (ii) deliberations of (a) Council of Ministers, (b) Secretaries, (c) other officers. Decisions + material \u2192 disclosed after matter complete. But <strong>deliberations of Secretaries\/officers<\/strong> (unconnected with cabinet decision) \u2192 may remain exempt.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc64 8(1)(j) \u2014 SC: Girish Ramchandra Deshpande v. CIC (2012)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC held: Copies of <strong>memos, show cause notices, orders of censure\/punishment<\/strong> = personal information u\/s 8(1)(j). Performance of employee is <strong>matter between employee and employer<\/strong> governed by service rules.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Disclosure would cause <strong>unwarranted invasion of privacy<\/strong>. But if PIO\/AA satisfied that <strong>larger public interest<\/strong> justifies disclosure \u2192 appropriate orders could be passed. Petitioner <strong>cannot claim as matter of right<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udd11 8(1)(j) \u2014 Personal Information: CIC Full Bench Guidelines (G.R. Rawal, 2008)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Personal info includes:<\/strong> name, address, occupation, physical\/mental\/medical status, financial status (income, assets, liabilities), hobbies. These are <strong>confidential<\/strong> \u2014 one may not wish to share with outsiders.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Normal rule: <strong>non-disclosure<\/strong> of private life. Disclosure ordered only when <strong>overriding public interest<\/strong> exists \u2014 and Sec 11 procedure must be followed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>Test: All information <strong>unrelated to a public activity\/interest<\/strong> and relating to\/originating in a person \u2192 \"personal information\" u\/s 8(1)(j). But info may <strong>acquire public face<\/strong> due to specific circumstances.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>\"Personal information\" means info about a <strong>third party<\/strong>, not the information-seeker himself. If one seeks info about his <strong>own case<\/strong> \u2192 question of invasion of <strong>own privacy does not arise<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f 8(1)(j) \u2014 Privacy Is a Constitutional Right (SC \u2014 Puttaswamy, 2017)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC (9-judge bench): <strong>Privacy is a constitutionally protected right<\/strong> under Art 21. <strong>\"Informational privacy\"<\/strong> is a facet of right to privacy. Court recommended a <strong>robust data protection regime<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb 8(1)(j) \u2014 Selection Process, DPC, Caste, Medical, Property Returns<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Selection process:<\/strong> Selection to Govt post involving thousands of candidates = <strong>larger public interest<\/strong>. Marks of self + selected candidates must be furnished.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>DPC proposals:<\/strong> PIO should follow <strong>Sec 11 procedure<\/strong> (third party notice) + <strong>Sec 10<\/strong> (severability). DPC proforma info disclosable, but <strong>individual ACRs shall not be furnished<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Caste status:<\/strong> Generally <strong>personal info<\/strong> exempt u\/s 8(1)(j). But if person used caste for <strong>appointment under reserved quota<\/strong> \u2192 caste enters <strong>public domain<\/strong> \u2192 disclosable.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Medical records:<\/strong> Fall under <strong>personal information<\/strong> exempt u\/s 8(1)(j), unless larger public interest justifies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2705<\/span><span><strong>Immovable property returns<\/strong> of IAS\/IPS\/IFS officers \u2192 <strong>disclosable<\/strong>. Exemption u\/s 8(1)(j) rejected. Sec 11 not attracted.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Meta request<\/strong> (names\/addresses of other RTI applicants) = personal info, <strong>exempt<\/strong>. But <strong>number of RTI applications<\/strong> received \u2192 can be disclosed.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec9\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 9<\/span>\r\n <h3>Grounds for Rejection \u2014 Copyright Infringement<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>PIO may reject request where providing access would involve <strong>infringement of copyright<\/strong> subsisting in a person <strong>other than the State<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec10\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 10<\/span>\r\n <h3>Severability \u2014 Partial Access<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2702\ufe0f<\/span><span>Where part of record is exempt \u2192 access may be provided to the <strong>non-exempt part<\/strong> which can reasonably be <strong>severed<\/strong> from exempt information.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>PIO gives notice: (a) only part provided after severance; (b) reasons + findings; (c) name\/designation of decision-maker; (d) fee details; (e) <strong>appeal rights<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec11\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 11<\/span>\r\n <h3>Third Party Information<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udc65<\/span><span>If information relates to\/supplied by <strong>third party<\/strong> and treated as confidential \u2192 PIO gives <strong>written notice within 5 days<\/strong> of receipt of request.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdd<\/span><span>Third party gets <strong>10 days<\/strong> from notice to make representation against proposed disclosure.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span>PIO's decision: <strong>within 40 days<\/strong> of original request (if third party was given opportunity).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Except <strong>trade\/commercial secrets<\/strong> protected by law \u2192 disclosure allowed if <strong>public interest outweighs<\/strong> harm.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce4<\/span><span>Third party entitled to prefer <strong>appeal under Sec 19<\/strong> against the decision.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 11<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab Third Party Has No Automatic Veto<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>RTI Act does <strong>not give third party an automatic veto<\/strong> on disclosure. PIO\/AO must examine third party's case under Sec 8(1)(j) or Sec 11(1), <strong>assess facts<\/strong>, and pass a <strong>speaking order<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udc65 Huge Number of Third Parties \u2014 Hear Representatives<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Where number of third parties is <strong>800+<\/strong> \u2192 AA may choose to hear <strong>representatives<\/strong> from samples of large, medium and small investors, then pass a speaking order.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb Sec 7(7), 11 & 7(1) Must Be Read Together<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>When info has a third party link \u2192 PIO must <strong>consult\/hear the third party before any decision<\/strong> (either to provide or reject). Hearing is both a <strong>procedural and substantive requirement<\/strong>. Third party may have <strong>no objection<\/strong>, in which case disclosure can be authorized even for prima facie personal info.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f Public Authority Can Appeal as Third Party (CIC Full Bench)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>\"Third party\" under Sec 2(n) <strong>includes PA<\/strong>. If CPIO decides to disclose info treated as confidential by another PA \u2192 that PA can appeal u\/s 19(2). The word <strong>\"person\"<\/strong> (not defined in Act) is wide enough to include a PA as a juristic entity.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch3\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER III<\/span>\r\n <h2>The Central Information Commission<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 12 to 14<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec12\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 12<\/span>\r\n <h3>Constitution of CIC<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f<\/span><span>Constituted by <strong>Central Government<\/strong> by notification in Official Gazette.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udc64<\/span><span>Consists of: <strong>Chief Information Commissioner<\/strong> + not exceeding <strong>10 Information Commissioners<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Appointed by <strong>President<\/strong> on recommendation of committee: (i) <strong>Prime Minister<\/strong> (Chairperson); (ii) <strong>Leader of Opposition<\/strong> in Lok Sabha; (iii) Union <strong>Cabinet Minister<\/strong> nominated by PM.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2b50<\/span><span>Persons of <strong>eminence in public life<\/strong> with wide knowledge in law, science & technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Not<\/strong> an MP\/MLA, not hold office of profit, not connected to political party, not carry on business\/profession.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccd<\/span><span>HQ at <strong>Delhi<\/strong>; may establish other offices with CG approval.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decision \u2014 SC Office as Public Authority<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f SC Office Is a PA \u2014 Judges' Asset Declarations (SC \u2014 CPIO, SC v. Subhash Chandra Agarwal, 2010)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC upheld CIC order directing CPIO of Supreme Court to furnish information on <strong>judges who had declared their assets<\/strong>. Such disclosure <strong>does not impinge<\/strong> on personal information\/privacy of judges.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Fiduciary relationship rule u\/s 8(1)(e) is inapplicable<\/strong>. However, <strong>details and contents<\/strong> of personal assets in the declaration would attract <strong>public interest test u\/s 8(1)(j)<\/strong> and proviso to Sec 11(1). For such details \u2192 <strong>Sec 11(1) procedure must be followed<\/strong> (third party notice to judges).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec13\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 13<\/span>\r\n <h3>Term of Office & Conditions of Service <span class=\"amend-badge\">Amended 2019<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span>CIC\/IC term: <strong>As prescribed by Central Govt<\/strong> [earlier: 5 years]. Not eligible for <strong>reappointment<\/strong>. Max age: <strong>65 years<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udd04<\/span><span>IC eligible for appointment as CIC. Aggregate term as IC+CIC: <strong>not more than 5 years<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcb0<\/span><span>Salaries, allowances, terms: <strong>As prescribed by Central Govt<\/strong> [earlier: equivalent to CEC\/EC]. Shall not be varied to <strong>disadvantage<\/strong> after appointment.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/span><span>Oath\/affirmation before <strong>President<\/strong> as per First Schedule.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"callout teal\">\r\n <div class=\"callout-label\">\ud83d\udcdc THE FIRST SCHEDULE \u2014 [See Sections 13(3) and 16(3)]<\/div>\r\n <p><strong>Form of Oath or Affirmation:<\/strong> <em>\"I, \u2026\u2026, having been appointed CIC \/ IC \/ SCIC \/ SIC swear in the name of God \/ solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my ability, knowledge and judgment perform the duties of my office <strong>without fear or favour, affection or ill-will<\/strong> and that I will uphold the Constitution and the laws.\"<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec14\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 14<\/span>\r\n <h3>Removal of CIC or Information Commissioner<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Removed by <strong>President<\/strong> on ground of proved <strong>misbehaviour or incapacity<\/strong> \u2014 after Supreme Court inquiry.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u23f8\ufe0f<\/span><span>President may <strong>suspend<\/strong> during inquiry.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>President may also remove without SC reference if: (a) <strong>insolvent<\/strong>; (b) convicted of <strong>moral turpitude<\/strong>; (c) <strong>paid employment<\/strong> outside duties; (d) <strong>unfit<\/strong> (infirmity); (e) acquired <strong>prejudicial financial interest<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch4\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER IV<\/span>\r\n <h2>The State Information Commission<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 15 to 17<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec15\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 15<\/span>\r\n <h3>Constitution of SIC<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83c\udfe2<\/span><span>Constituted by <strong>State Govt<\/strong>. SCIC + not exceeding <strong>10 SICs<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Appointed by <strong>Governor<\/strong> on recommendation: (i) <strong>Chief Minister<\/strong> (Chairperson); (ii) <strong>Leader of Opposition<\/strong> in State Assembly; (iii) Cabinet Minister nominated by CM.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2b50<\/span><span>Same qualifications and disqualifications as CIC\/IC.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec16\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 16<\/span>\r\n <h3>Term & Conditions <span class=\"amend-badge\">Amended 2019<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span>SCIC\/SIC term: <strong>As prescribed by Central Govt<\/strong>. Max age: <strong>65 years<\/strong>. No reappointment.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcb0<\/span><span>Salaries: <strong>Prescribed by Central Govt<\/strong> [earlier: equivalent to CEC\/EC at State level].<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/span><span>Oath before <strong>Governor<\/strong> as per First Schedule.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec17\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 17<\/span>\r\n <h3>Removal of SCIC or SIC<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Removed by <strong>Governor<\/strong> on ground of proved misbehaviour\/incapacity after <strong>Supreme Court<\/strong> inquiry. Same grounds as Sec 14.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch5\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER V<\/span>\r\n <h2>Powers and Functions of the Information Commissions, Appeal and Penalties<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 18 to 20<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec18\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 18<\/span>\r\n <h3>Powers & Functions of Information Commissions<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udd0d<\/span><span>Receive and inquire into complaints: (a) no PIO appointed; (b) APIO refused to accept application; (c) access refused; (d) no response within time; (e) unreasonable fee; (f) incomplete\/misleading\/false info; (g) any other matter.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Same powers as a <strong>Civil Court<\/strong>: summoning, compelling evidence on oath, requiring documents, receiving affidavits, requisitioning public records, issuing summons.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc2<\/span><span>May <strong>examine any record<\/strong> under control of PA during inquiry \u2014 <strong>no record may be withheld<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec19\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 19<\/span>\r\n <h3>Appeal \u2014 Two Tiers<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce4<\/span><span><strong>First Appeal:<\/strong> To officer <strong>senior to PIO<\/strong> within <strong>30 days<\/strong>. Disposed within <strong>30\u201345 days<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce4<\/span><span><strong>Second Appeal:<\/strong> To CIC\/SIC within <strong>90 days<\/strong>. <strong>Onus of proof<\/strong> on PIO who denied request. Decision of Commission is <strong>binding<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>19(1) First Appeal:<\/strong> Within <strong>30 days<\/strong> from expiry of time\/receipt of decision \u2192 to officer <strong>senior in rank<\/strong> to PIO. May admit after 30 days if sufficient cause.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>19(2) Third Party Appeal:<\/strong> Against Sec 11 disclosure order \u2014 within <strong>30 days<\/strong> from date of order.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>19(3) Second Appeal:<\/strong> Within <strong>90 days<\/strong> \u2192 to CIC\/SIC. May admit late if sufficient cause.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>19(5):<\/strong> Onus to prove denial justified \u2192 on the <strong>PIO who denied<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span><strong>19(6):<\/strong> First appeal disposed within <strong>30 days<\/strong>, extendable to <strong>45 days<\/strong> (reasons in writing).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udd12<\/span><span><strong>19(7):<\/strong> Decision of CIC\/SIC is <strong>binding<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span><strong>19(8) Powers:<\/strong> (a) require PA to provide access \/ appoint PIO \/ publish info \/ change practices \/ provide training \/ annual report; (b) <strong>compensate<\/strong> complainant; (c) <strong>impose penalties<\/strong>; (d) reject.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 19<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Compensation Must Be Claimed Separately<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Compensation <strong>cannot be claimed from penalty imposed<\/strong>. Must be claimed <strong>separately u\/s 19(8)(b)<\/strong>. Damages must be <strong>established by the appellant<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83c\udf93 CIC Directs Training Programmes<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>CIC directed: PA should have <strong>training programmes<\/strong> for staff dealing with RTI. Staff should be referred to <strong>CIC website<\/strong> for decisions. Appellate Authority must ensure <strong>proactive info is updated periodically<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f First Appeal Is Quasi-Judicial \u2014 Speaking Orders Mandatory<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>DoPT Guide (Para 38): Deciding appeals is a <strong>quasi-judicial function<\/strong>. Appellate authority should ensure <strong>justice is not only done but appears to have been done<\/strong>. Order must be a <strong>speaking order<\/strong> giving justification.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span>Appellate Authority must give <strong>notices to PIO & Appellant<\/strong>, conduct hearing, pass speaking orders, communicate to PIO under intimation to appellant. Failure to act = <strong>dereliction of statutory responsibility<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab PIO Cannot Intercept First Appeal & Decide It Himself<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Order on first appeal was communicated under signature of PIO. CIC held: PIO <strong>putting himself in the shoes of Appellate Authority<\/strong> is <strong>against the letter and spirit<\/strong> of the Act.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab PIO Cannot File Appeal with CIC Against AA's Order<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>PIO is the <strong>information provider, not seeker<\/strong>. There is <strong>no provision<\/strong> in RTI Act to consider appeals\/complaints by the PIO against the order of an appellate officer.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcdd Drafting an Appeal & Fresh Grounds<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Appeal should be drafted in a <strong>simple, direct manner<\/strong> \u2014 brief, not unnecessarily long or couched in legalese.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span><strong>Fresh grounds<\/strong> for information <strong>cannot be urged at appellate levels<\/strong> unless warranted, if not raised at PIO level.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u23f0 Deemed Refusal by Appellate Authority<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If Appellate Officer <strong>fails to pass order within 45 days<\/strong> of appeal \u2192 construed as <strong>deemed refusal<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab CIC Has No Executive Authority \u2014 Cannot Order Changes in Records<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>CIC is <strong>not empowered to order changes<\/strong> in revenue records (Adangal). This power vests in <strong>Executive Authority<\/strong>. RTI has not empowered the second appellate court with executive authority.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u23f0 Third Party Appeal \u2014 30 Days from Date of Order (Not Receipt)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span>Under Sec 19(2), third party's appeal against disclosure order: <strong>30 days from the date of the order itself<\/strong> \u2014 not from date of receipt. Appellate Authority has <strong>no discretion<\/strong> to admit third party appeal after 30 days (unlike Sec 19(1) for requester).<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec20\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 20<\/span>\r\n <h3>Penalties \u2014 \u20b9250 per Day, Max \u20b925,000<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"callout red\">\r\n <div class=\"callout-label\">\ud83d\udcb0 Penalty Provisions<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u25aa\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>20(1):<\/strong> If PIO without reasonable cause \u2014 refused to receive application, not furnished info in time, malafidely denied, gave incorrect\/incomplete\/misleading info, <strong>destroyed information<\/strong>, obstructed \u2192 penalty of <strong>\u20b9250 each day<\/strong> till application received\/info furnished. <strong>Max: \u20b925,000<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u25aa\ufe0f<\/span><span>PIO given <strong>reasonable opportunity of being heard<\/strong>. Burden of proving reasonable & diligent action on <strong>PIO<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u25aa\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>20(2):<\/strong> If PIO <strong>persistently<\/strong> fails \u2192 Commission shall recommend <strong>disciplinary action<\/strong> under service rules.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 20<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f SC: Opportunity of Hearing Before Penalty (Manohar Manikrao v. State of Maharashtra, 2012)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Before imposing penalty u\/s 20(1), Commission <strong>must give reasonable opportunity of being heard<\/strong>. For Sec 20(2) (disciplinary action recommendation), power may impose <strong>penal consequences<\/strong>, so hearing is implicit.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Penalty Is Personal Liability \u2014 Cannot Use Govt Counsel<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>Uttarakhand HC: Once penalty imposed u\/s 20 on PIO \u2192 it is <strong>liability in persona<\/strong>. If PIO wants to challenge, must file writ in <strong>individual capacity with private advocate<\/strong> \u2014 <strong>cannot use Chief Standing Counsel or state money<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83e\udd1d Due Diligence \u2014 \"Reasonable Cause\" Defence<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>If delay caused by <strong>logistics of collecting info from multiple sources<\/strong>, absence on leave, and <strong>lack of familiarity<\/strong> with RTI processes \u2192 may meet test of <strong>\"reasonable cause\"<\/strong>. But CPIO should <strong>keep applicant periodically informed<\/strong> about progress.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"ch6\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">CHAPTER VI<\/span>\r\n <h2>Miscellaneous<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">Sections 21 to 31<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec21\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 21<\/span>\r\n <h3>Protection of Action Taken in Good Faith<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f<\/span><span>No suit, prosecution or legal proceeding against any person for anything done <strong>in good faith<\/strong> under this Act.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec22\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 22<\/span>\r\n <h3>Overriding Effect<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a1<\/span><span>Provisions of this Act have effect <strong>notwithstanding anything inconsistent<\/strong> in the <strong>Official Secrets Act, 1923<\/strong> and any other law for the time being in force.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 22<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\u2696\ufe0f SC: RTI Act vs. Gujarat HC Rules (CIC v. HC of Gujarat, 2020)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>SC held: Gujarat HC Rule 151 (third party must file affidavit to get certified copies) is <strong>not inconsistent<\/strong> with RTI Act \u2014 it merely lays down a <strong>different procedure<\/strong>. In absence of <strong>inherent inconsistency<\/strong>, overriding effect of RTI Act does not apply.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>For information on the <strong>judicial side<\/strong> \u2192 access through <strong>High Court Rules mechanism<\/strong>, not RTI Act.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udccb Lokayukta Confidentiality Overridden<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\"><li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>CIC rejected Lokayukta's claim of confidentiality u\/s 10(2)(a) of AP Lokayukta Act 1983. As per <strong>Sec 22 of RTI Act<\/strong>, provisions of RTI have <strong>overriding effect<\/strong> on all other laws \u2014 \"there is nothing confidential under the Act.\"<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec23\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 23<\/span>\r\n <h3>Bar of Jurisdiction of Courts<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udeab<\/span><span>No court shall entertain any suit\/application regarding orders under this Act. Orders challenged <strong>only by appeal under this Act<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"goi-outer\">\r\n<div class=\"goi-lbl-wrap\"> <div class=\"goi-lbl\"><span class=\"dot-tl\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span>\ud83c\udfdb Govt. of India Decisions \u2014 Section 23<span class=\"dot-br\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-bot\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"lines-top\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"goi-box\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec\">\r\n <div class=\"goi-dec-title\">\ud83d\udeab Consumer Forum Has No Jurisdiction (NCDRC, 2015)<\/div>\r\n <ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span>NCDRC held: Person seeking info under RTI <strong>cannot be said to be a consumer<\/strong> vis-\u00e0-vis the PA. Jurisdiction of Consumer Fora is <strong>barred by necessary implication<\/strong> under Sec 23.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udce2<\/span><span><strong>No complaint<\/strong> alleging deficiency in services rendered by CPIO\/PIO is <strong>maintainable before a Consumer Forum<\/strong>. Consumer fora are \"courts\" for purposes of Sec 23.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec24\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 24<\/span>\r\n <h3>Act Not to Apply to Certain Organisations<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udd10<\/span><span>Intelligence and security organisations in the <strong>Second Schedule<\/strong> are exempt.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Proviso:<\/strong> Information pertaining to allegations of <strong>corruption and human rights violations<\/strong> shall <strong>NOT be excluded<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><span>For <strong>human rights violations<\/strong> \u2192 information only after <strong>CIC\/SIC approval<\/strong>, within <strong>45 days<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>CG may <strong>amend Second Schedule<\/strong> by notification. State Govts may also <strong>specify<\/strong> exempt organisations.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec25\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 25<\/span>\r\n <h3>Monitoring & Reporting<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcca<\/span><span>CIC\/SIC prepares <strong>annual report<\/strong> on implementation, forwards to appropriate Govt.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span>Report includes: number of requests, refusals (with sections invoked), appeals, disciplinary actions, fees collected, recommendations for reform.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f<\/span><span>Report laid before <strong>each House of Parliament \/ State Legislature<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec26\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTION 26<\/span>\r\n <h3>Appropriate Govt to Prepare Programmes<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83c\udf93<\/span><span>Develop <strong>educational programmes<\/strong> (especially for disadvantaged communities); train PIOs; promote dissemination.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcd6<\/span><span>Compile a <strong>guide within 18 months<\/strong> of commencement in official language containing: objects, PIO addresses, manner of request, remedies, fee notices etc.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sec27\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECTIONS 27\u201331<\/span>\r\n <h3>Rules, Laying, Power to Remove Difficulties & Repeal<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<ul class=\"icon-list\">\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/span><span><strong>Sec 27:<\/strong> Appropriate Govt may make rules by notification. <strong>Sec 28:<\/strong> Competent authority may make rules.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udccb<\/span><span><strong>Sec 29:<\/strong> CG rules laid before each House of Parliament (30 days). State rules laid before State Legislature.<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Sec 30:<\/strong> Power to remove difficulties \u2014 CG may make provisions by order (within <strong>2 years<\/strong> of commencement).<\/span><\/li>\r\n <li><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\uddd1\ufe0f<\/span><span><strong>Sec 31:<\/strong> The <strong>Freedom of Information Act, 2002<\/strong> (5 of 2003) is <strong>hereby repealed<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sch2\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SECOND SCHEDULE<\/span>\r\n <h3>Intelligence & Security Organisations (26 Bodies)<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"compare-table\">\r\n <thead><tr><th>#<\/th><th>Organisation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n <tbody>\r\n <tr><td>1<\/td><td>Intelligence Bureau<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>2<\/td><td>Research & Analysis Wing (incl. Aviation Research Centre)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>3<\/td><td>Directorate of Revenue Intelligence<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>4<\/td><td>Central Economic Intelligence Bureau<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>5<\/td><td>Directorate of Enforcement<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>6<\/td><td>Narcotics Control Bureau<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>8<\/td><td>Special Frontier Force (Cabinet Secretariat)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>9<\/td><td>Border Security Force<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>10<\/td><td>Central Reserve Police Force<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>11<\/td><td>Indo-Tibetan Border Police<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>12<\/td><td>Central Industrial Security Force<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>13<\/td><td>National Security Guards<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>14<\/td><td>Assam Rifles<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>15<\/td><td>Sashastra Seema Bal<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>16<\/td><td>DG Income Tax (Investigation)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>17<\/td><td>National Technical Research Organisation<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>18<\/td><td>Financial Intelligence Unit, India<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>19<\/td><td>Special Protection Group<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>20<\/td><td>Defence Research & Development Organisation<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>21<\/td><td>Border Road Development Board<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>22<\/td><td>National Security Council Secretariat<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>23<\/td><td>Central Bureau of Investigation<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>24<\/td><td>National Investigation Agency<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>25<\/td><td>National Intelligence Grid<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td>26<\/td><td>Strategic Forces Command<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"callout amber\">\r\n <div class=\"callout-label\">\u26a0\ufe0f Remember \u2014 Exempt But Not Fully<\/div>\r\n <p>Even these 26 organisations <strong>must<\/strong> provide information pertaining to allegations of <strong>corruption and human rights violations<\/strong> (Sec 24 proviso). For human rights violations \u2192 only after <strong>CIC approval<\/strong>, within <strong>45 days<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"section-heading-block\" id=\"sc-obs\">\r\n <span class=\"section-badge\">SUPREME COURT<\/span>\r\n <h3>CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011)<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"sc-card\">\r\n <div class=\"sc-stamp\">\u2696\ufe0f Civil Appeal No. 6454\/2011<\/div>\r\n <h4>PIO is NOT Required To:<\/h4>\r\n <p>(1) <strong>Collect or collate<\/strong> non-available information; (2) Furnish info requiring <strong>drawing of inferences<\/strong>\/assumptions; (3) Provide <strong>'advice' or 'opinion'<\/strong> to applicant; (4) <strong>Create information<\/strong> that doesn't exist; (5) <strong>Interpret information<\/strong> or solve problems; (6) Reply to <strong>hypothetical questions<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n <p style=\"margin-top:12px;\">The reference to 'opinion'\/'advice' in Sec 2(f) only refers to material <strong>already in records<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"section-divider\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"chapter-heading-block\" id=\"summary\">\r\n <span class=\"chapter-badge\">SUMMARY<\/span>\r\n <h2>Complete Section-wise Summary<\/h2>\r\n <div class=\"ch-rules\">All 31 Sections with Sub-sections \u2014 At a Glance<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"summary-table\">\r\n <thead><tr><th>Section<\/th><th>Sub-section<\/th><th>Subject Matter<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n <tbody>\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER I \u2014 PRELIMINARY (Sections 1\u20132)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 1<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">1(1)<\/td><td>Short title \u2014 Right to Information Act, 2005<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">1(2)<\/td><td>Extent \u2014 whole of India [J&K exclusion removed w.e.f. 31-10-2019]<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">1(3)<\/td><td>Commencement \u2014 Sec 4(1), 5(1)&(2), 12, 13, 15, 16, 24, 27, 28 at once; remaining after 120 days (12 Oct 2005)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 2<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(a)<\/td><td><strong>Appropriate Government<\/strong> \u2014 CG\/UT funded \u2192 Central Govt; State funded \u2192 State Govt<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(b)<\/td><td><strong>Central Information Commission<\/strong> \u2014 constituted under Sec 12(1)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(c)<\/td><td><strong>CPIO<\/strong> \u2014 designated under Sec 5(1); includes Central APIO under Sec 5(2)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(d)<\/td><td><strong>CIC & Information Commissioner<\/strong> \u2014 appointed under Sec 12(3)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(e)<\/td><td><strong>Competent Authority<\/strong> \u2014 Speaker, Chairman, CJI, CJ of HC, President\/Governor, Administrator under Art 239<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(f) \u2b50<\/td><td><strong>Information<\/strong> \u2014 any material in any form incl. records, memos, e-mails, opinions, samples, models, electronic data + private body info accessible by PA<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(g)<\/td><td><strong>Prescribed<\/strong> \u2014 by rules made by appropriate Govt or competent authority<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(h) \u2b50<\/td><td><strong>Public Authority<\/strong> \u2014 established under Constitution\/Parliament\/State law\/Govt notification; includes body substantially financed & NGO substantially financed by Govt<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(i)<\/td><td><strong>Record<\/strong> \u2014 document, manuscript, file, microfilm, microfiche, computer-produced material<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(j) \u2b50<\/td><td><strong>Right to Information<\/strong> \u2014 inspection, notes\/extracts\/certified copies, certified samples, electronic mode\/printouts<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(k)<\/td><td><strong>State Information Commission<\/strong> \u2014 constituted under Sec 15(1)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(l)<\/td><td><strong>SCIC & State IC<\/strong> \u2014 appointed under Sec 15(3)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(m)<\/td><td><strong>SPIO<\/strong> \u2014 designated under Sec 5(1); includes State APIO under Sec 5(2)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">2(n)<\/td><td><strong>Third Party<\/strong> \u2014 person other than requesting citizen; includes a public authority<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER II \u2014 RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND OBLIGATIONS OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES (Sections 3\u201311)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 3<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>All citizens shall have the right to information (subject to the Act)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 4<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(a)<\/td><td>Maintain all records duly catalogued, indexed & computerized through network<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(i)<\/td><td>Publish: particulars of organisation, functions and duties<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(ii)<\/td><td>Publish: powers and duties of officers and employees<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(iii)<\/td><td>Publish: procedure in decision-making, channels of supervision & accountability<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(iv)<\/td><td>Publish: norms set for discharge of functions<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(v)<\/td><td>Publish: rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(vi)<\/td><td>Publish: statement of categories of documents held<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(vii)<\/td><td>Publish: arrangements for consultation with \/ representation by public<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(viii)<\/td><td>Publish: boards, councils, committees \u2014 whether meetings open to public<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(ix)<\/td><td>Publish: directory of officers and employees<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(x)<\/td><td>Publish: monthly remuneration of each officer\/employee<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xi)<\/td><td>Publish: budget allocated, plans, expenditures and disbursements<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xii)<\/td><td>Publish: subsidy programmes \u2014 amounts allocated & details of beneficiaries<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xiii)<\/td><td>Publish: recipients of concessions, permits or authorizations<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xiv)<\/td><td>Publish: information available in electronic form<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xv)<\/td><td>Publish: facilities for citizens \u2014 library\/reading room working hours<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xvi)<\/td><td>Publish: names, designations & particulars of PIOs<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(b)(xvii)<\/td><td>Publish: such other information as may be prescribed; update annually<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(c)<\/td><td>Publish all relevant facts while formulating important policies<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(1)(d)<\/td><td>Provide reasons for administrative \/ quasi-judicial decisions to affected persons<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(2)<\/td><td>Constant endeavour for suo motu disclosure through internet at regular intervals<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(3)<\/td><td>Disseminate widely in easily accessible form and manner<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">4(4)<\/td><td>Disseminate considering cost-effectiveness, local language, electronic format \u2014 free or at prescribed cost<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 5<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">5(1)<\/td><td>Designate CPIOs\/SPIOs in all administrative units within 100 days<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">5(2)<\/td><td>Designate Assistant PIOs at sub-divisional\/sub-district level; +5 days added to response period<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">5(3)<\/td><td>PIO shall deal with requests & render reasonable assistance<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">5(4)<\/td><td>PIO may seek assistance of any other officer<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">5(5)<\/td><td>Assisting officer treated as deemed PIO for purposes of contraventions<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 6<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">6(1)<\/td><td>Request in writing or electronic means in English\/Hindi\/official language with prescribed fee; oral assistance if cannot write<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">6(2)<\/td><td>No reason required for requesting information; no personal details except for contact<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">6(3)<\/td><td>Transfer application to another PA within 5 days if info held elsewhere; inform applicant<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 7<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(1)<\/td><td>Provide info within 30 days; 48 hours if life or liberty concerned<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(2)<\/td><td>Failure to decide within time = deemed refusal<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(3)<\/td><td>Further fee intimation with calculations; intervening period excluded from 30-day count<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(4)<\/td><td>Assistance for sensorily disabled persons for inspection<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(5)<\/td><td>Applicant pays prescribed fee for printed\/electronic access; BPL persons \u2014 no fee<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(6)<\/td><td>If PA fails to comply with time limit \u2192 information provided free of charge<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(7)<\/td><td>Consider representation of third party under Sec 11 before decision<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(8)<\/td><td>On rejection: communicate reasons, appeal period & appellate authority details<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">7(9)<\/td><td>Info in form sought unless disproportionate diversion of resources or detrimental to record<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 8<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(a)<\/td><td>Exemption: sovereignty, integrity, security, strategic\/scientific\/economic interests, foreign relations, incitement<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(b)<\/td><td>Exemption: expressly forbidden by court\/tribunal; constitutes contempt of court<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(c)<\/td><td>Exemption: would cause breach of privilege of Parliament or State Legislature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(d)<\/td><td>Exemption: commercial confidence, trade secrets, intellectual property \u2014 unless larger public interest<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(e)<\/td><td>Exemption: available in fiduciary relationship \u2014 unless larger public interest<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(f)<\/td><td>Exemption: received in confidence from foreign Government<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(g)<\/td><td>Exemption: endanger life\/physical safety or identify confidential source for law enforcement<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(h)<\/td><td>Exemption: would impede investigation, apprehension or prosecution of offenders<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(i)<\/td><td>Exemption: cabinet papers incl. deliberations of Council of Ministers, Secretaries; decisions made public after matter complete<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(1)(j)<\/td><td>Exemption: personal information [Substituted by DPDP Act 2023 w.e.f. 13-11-2025]<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(2)<\/td><td>Public interest override \u2014 access allowed if public interest outweighs harm; overrides OSA 1923<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">8(3)<\/td><td>20-year rule \u2014 exemptions (b)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(j) lapse after 20 years; clauses (a)(c)(i) are perpetual<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 9<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>Reject if request involves copyright infringement subsisting in person other than the State<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 10<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">10(1)<\/td><td>Severability \u2014 provide non-exempt part after severing exempt part from the record<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">10(2)<\/td><td>Give notice: only part provided; reasons; name of decision-maker; fee details; appeal rights<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 11<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">11(1)<\/td><td>Third party info: PIO gives written notice within 5 days; invites submission on disclosure<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">11(2)<\/td><td>Third party gets 10 days from notice to make representation against proposed disclosure<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">11(3)<\/td><td>PIO decides within 40 days of original request; gives written notice of decision to third party<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">11(4)<\/td><td>Notice includes statement that third party may prefer appeal under Sec 19<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER III \u2014 THE CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION (Sections 12\u201314)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 12<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(1)<\/td><td>CG constitutes CIC by notification in Official Gazette<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(2)<\/td><td>CIC consists of: Chief Information Commissioner + not exceeding 10 Information Commissioners<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(3)<\/td><td>Appointed by President on recommendation of committee: PM (Chair) + Leader of Opposition (LS) + Union Cabinet Minister<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(4)<\/td><td>Superintendence & management vests in CIC; autonomous, not subjected to directions by any other authority<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(5)<\/td><td>Persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge in law, science, social service, management, journalism, admin<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(6)<\/td><td>Not MP\/MLA; not hold office of profit; not connected with political party; not carry on business\/profession<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">12(7)<\/td><td>Headquarters at Delhi; may establish other offices with CG approval<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 13<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(1)<\/td><td>CIC term: as prescribed by Central Govt [Amended 2019]; not eligible for reappointment; max age 65<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(2)<\/td><td>IC term: as prescribed by CG [Amended 2019] or till age 65 (whichever earlier); IC eligible for appointment as CIC (aggregate max 5 years)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(3)<\/td><td>Oath\/affirmation before President as per First Schedule<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(4)<\/td><td>May resign by writing to President; may be removed under Sec 14<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(5)<\/td><td>Salaries & allowances: as prescribed by CG [Amended 2019]; not varied to disadvantage after appointment<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">13(6)<\/td><td>CG to provide officers & employees for efficient performance<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 14<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">14(1)<\/td><td>Removal by President on proved misbehaviour\/incapacity after Supreme Court inquiry<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">14(2)<\/td><td>President may suspend during inquiry<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">14(3)<\/td><td>President may remove without SC reference: (a) insolvent; (b) moral turpitude; (c) paid employment; (d) unfit (infirmity); (e) prejudicial financial interest<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">14(4)<\/td><td>If interested in Govt contract\/profit \u2192 deemed guilty of misbehaviour<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER IV \u2014 THE STATE INFORMATION COMMISSION (Sections 15\u201317)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 15<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(1)<\/td><td>State Govt constitutes SIC by notification<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(2)<\/td><td>SIC consists of: SCIC + not exceeding 10 State Information Commissioners<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(3)<\/td><td>Appointed by Governor on recommendation: CM (Chair) + Leader of Opposition (State Assembly) + Cabinet Minister<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(4)<\/td><td>Superintendence vests in SCIC; autonomous<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(5)<\/td><td>Persons of eminence \u2014 same qualifications as Sec 12(5)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(6)<\/td><td>Same disqualifications as Sec 12(6)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">15(7)<\/td><td>HQ at place specified by State Govt; may establish other offices with State Govt approval<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 16<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(1)<\/td><td>SCIC term: as prescribed by CG [Amended 2019]; not eligible for reappointment; max age 65<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(2)<\/td><td>SIC term: as prescribed by CG [Amended 2019] or till age 65; SIC eligible as SCIC (aggregate max 5 years)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(3)<\/td><td>Oath\/affirmation before Governor as per First Schedule<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(4)<\/td><td>May resign by writing to Governor; may be removed under Sec 17<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(5)<\/td><td>Salaries: as prescribed by CG [Amended 2019]; not varied to disadvantage<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">16(6)<\/td><td>State Govt to provide officers & employees<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 17<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">17(1)<\/td><td>Removal by Governor after Supreme Court inquiry for misbehaviour\/incapacity<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">17(2)<\/td><td>Governor may suspend during inquiry<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">17(3)<\/td><td>Governor may remove without SC reference \u2014 same 5 grounds as Sec 14(3)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">17(4)<\/td><td>If interested in State Govt contract\/profit \u2192 deemed guilty of misbehaviour<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER V \u2014 POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPEAL AND PENALTIES (Sections 18\u201320)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 18<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(a)<\/td><td>Complaint: unable to submit request \u2014 no PIO appointed or APIO refused to accept<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(b)<\/td><td>Complaint: refused access to information<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(c)<\/td><td>Complaint: no response within time limit<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(d)<\/td><td>Complaint: unreasonable fee charged<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(e)<\/td><td>Complaint: given incomplete, misleading or false information<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(1)(f)<\/td><td>Complaint: any other matter relating to requesting\/obtaining access to records<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(2)<\/td><td>Commission may initiate inquiry if reasonable grounds exist<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(3)<\/td><td>Same powers as Civil Court: summon, oath, documents, affidavits, requisition records, summons for witnesses<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">18(4)<\/td><td>May examine any record under control of PA \u2014 no record may be withheld on any ground<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 19<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(1)<\/td><td>First Appeal: to officer senior to PIO within 30 days (condonable)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(2)<\/td><td>Third party appeal against Sec 11 disclosure order \u2014 within 30 days (NOT condonable)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(3)<\/td><td>Second Appeal: to CIC\/SIC within 90 days (condonable)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(4)<\/td><td>If appeal relates to third party info \u2192 give reasonable opportunity of hearing to third party<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(5)<\/td><td>Onus of proof: on PIO who denied the request<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(6)<\/td><td>Dispose first appeal within 30 days, extendable to 45 days (reasons in writing)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(7)<\/td><td>Decision of CIC\/SIC shall be binding<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(8)(a)<\/td><td>Power: require PA to secure compliance \u2014 provide access, appoint PIO, publish info, change practices, training, annual report<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(8)(b)<\/td><td>Power: require PA to compensate complainant for any loss or detriment suffered<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(8)(c)<\/td><td>Power: impose any penalties provided under this Act<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(8)(d)<\/td><td>Power: reject the application<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(9)<\/td><td>Give notice of decision including right of appeal to complainant and PA<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">19(10)<\/td><td>Decide appeal in accordance with prescribed procedure<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 20<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">20(1)<\/td><td>Penalty: \u20b9250\/day, max \u20b925,000 \u2014 for refusal, delay, malafide denial, false\/incomplete\/misleading info, destruction, obstruction; PIO given hearing; burden on PIO<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">20(2)<\/td><td>Persistent failure \u2192 recommend disciplinary action under service rules<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">CHAPTER VI \u2014 MISCELLANEOUS (Sections 21\u201331)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 21<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>Protection of action taken in good faith \u2014 no suit\/prosecution shall lie<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 22<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>Overriding effect over Official Secrets Act, 1923 and any other law<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 23<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>Bar of jurisdiction of courts \u2014 orders challenged only by appeal under this Act<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 24<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(1)<\/td><td>Act not applicable to intelligence\/security organisations in Second Schedule; Proviso: corruption & human rights info NOT excluded<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(1) Proviso 2<\/td><td>Human rights violation info \u2192 only after CIC approval, within 45 days<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(2)<\/td><td>CG may amend Second Schedule by notification (add\/remove organisations)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(3)<\/td><td>Every notification laid before each House of Parliament<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(4)<\/td><td>State Govt may specify exempt intelligence\/security organisations by notification; same provisos apply<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">24(5)<\/td><td>Every State notification laid before State Legislature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 25<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">25(1)<\/td><td>CIC\/SIC prepares annual report on implementation; forwards to appropriate Govt<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">25(2)<\/td><td>Each Ministry\/Dept collects & provides info to CIC\/SIC for annual report<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">25(3)<\/td><td>Report includes: (a) requests; (b) refusals with sections; (c) appeals & outcomes; (d) disciplinary actions; (e) fees; (f) compliance efforts; (g) reform recommendations<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">25(4)<\/td><td>Report laid before each House of Parliament \/ State Legislature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">25(5)<\/td><td>Commission may give recommendation to PA if practice does not conform with Act<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 26<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(1)(a)<\/td><td>Develop educational programmes for public (especially disadvantaged communities)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(1)(b)<\/td><td>Encourage PAs to participate in & organise programmes<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(1)(c)<\/td><td>Promote timely & effective dissemination of accurate information by PAs<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(1)(d)<\/td><td>Train CPIOs\/SPIOs; produce relevant training materials<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(2)<\/td><td>Compile guide within 18 months in official language in easily comprehensible form<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(3)<\/td><td>Update & publish guide at regular intervals \u2014 includes objects, PIO addresses, manner of request, fees, remedies<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">26(4)<\/td><td>Must update and publish guidelines at regular intervals<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 27<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">27(1)<\/td><td>Appropriate Govt may make rules by notification in Official Gazette<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">27(2)<\/td><td>Rules may cover: (a) cost of medium; (b) fee u\/s 6(1); (c) fee u\/s 7; (ca) term of CIC\/IC\/SCIC\/SIC [Ins. 2019]; (cb) salaries [Ins. 2019]; (d) staff terms; (e) appeal procedure; (f) any other matter<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 28<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">28(1)<\/td><td>Competent authority may make rules by notification<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">28(2)<\/td><td>Rules may cover: (i) cost of medium; (ii) fee u\/s 6(1); (iii) fee u\/s 7(1); (iv) any other matter<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 29<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">29(1)<\/td><td>CG rules laid before each House of Parliament for 30 days<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">29(2)<\/td><td>State Govt rules laid before State Legislature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 30<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">30(1)<\/td><td>CG power to remove difficulties by order in Official Gazette (within 2 years of commencement)<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\"><\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">30(2)<\/td><td>Every order laid before each House of Parliament<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Section 31<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">\u2014<\/td><td>Freedom of Information Act, 2002 (5 of 2003) is hereby repealed<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <tr class=\"ch-row\"><td colspan=\"3\">SCHEDULES<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">First Schedule<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">Sec 13(3), 16(3)<\/td><td>Form of Oath \/ Affirmation for CIC \/ IC \/ SCIC \/ SIC<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <tr><td class=\"sec-col\">Second Schedule<\/td><td class=\"sub-col\">Sec 24<\/td><td>26 Intelligence & Security Organisations: IB, RAW, DRI, CEIB, ED, NCB, SFF, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, NSG, AR, SSB, DGIT(I), NTRO, FIU, SPG, DRDO, BRO, NSCS, CBI, NIA, NATGRID, SFC<\/td><\/tr>\r\n <\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/main>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\nfunction initScrollSpy(){\r\n const ids=[];\r\n document.querySelectorAll('[id]').forEach(el=>{if(el.closest('.content-area')||el.id==='preamble')ids.push({id:el.id,link:'#'+el.id})});\r\n const links=document.querySelectorAll('.toc-list li a');\r\n window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{\r\n let cur='';\r\n ids.forEach(s=>{const 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[…]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"disabled","ast-banner-title-visibility":"disabled","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"disabled","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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