The RTI Act, 2005 (Right to Information Act, 2005) is an important law enacted by the Parliament of India that gives citizens the legal right to access information from public authorities. Objective: To promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority and to empower citizens to seek information related to government functioning. Key features of the RTI Act, 2005: Any citizen of India can file an RTI application to seek information from a public authority (central, state, or local government bodies). The authority is legally bound to reply within 30 days (or 48 hours in life and liberty-related matters). It covers all constitutional bodies, including the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary (subject to some exemptions), as well as government-owned organizations and NGOs substantially funded by the government. Information can be requested about decisions, records, policies, functioning, expenses, tenders, etc. If the applicant is not satisfied with the response or if no response is given, they can file a First Appeal and then a Second Appeal before the Information Commission. Exemptions (Section 8): Some information is exempt from disclosure, such as: National security Cabinet papers Personal information without public interest Trade secrets or intellectual property Public Information Officer (PIO): Every public authority must appoint a PIO who is responsible for receiving and responding to RTI requests. Penalties: If the PIO refuses or delays information without reasonable cause, a penalty of Rs. 250 per day (up to Rs. 25,000) can be imposed. Why it matters: The RTI Act empowers citizens to hold the government accountable, uncover corruption, and ensure better governance. Let me know if you need a sample RTI application format or how to file one online.

The full form of tje RTI is right to information which is drafted by the legislation by which general public can seek the information from the public authorities.

It was enacted in June 2005 and came into force in October 2005. The act provides citizens the right to secure access to information under control of Public Authorities (PAs). Coordinating agency: Department of Personnel and Training under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPPG&P). Background: Right to Information finds articulation as a human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. India enacted the "Freedom of Information Act, 2002" in order to promote, transparency and accountability in administration. Later, RTI Act 2005 replaced the Freedom of Information Act, 2002. 'Raj Narayan v/s Uttar Pradesh Government': Supreme Court established the Right to information as a fundamental right under the Article 19 Constitution of India.