RTI stands for Right to Information. It is an Act of the Parliament of India that empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities. The Right to Information Act, 2005, provides a mechanism for citizens to access information held by public authorities in the government. Here is how you can use the Right to Information (RTI) Act: Eligibility: Any citizen of India can file an RTI application to seek information from public authorities. Non-citizens may also file applications for information related to public interest. Identify the Public Authority: Determine the public authority or government department from which you want to seek information. Each state and central government department has designated Public Information Officers (PIOs) to handle RTI requests. Prepare the RTI Application: Write a formal application seeking the information you need. Clearly state the information you are seeking and address it to the Public Information Officer of the concerned department. You can use a prescribed RTI form if available, or draft a letter. Provide Contact Information: Include your name, postal address, and email address in the application. This information is essential for the authorities to communicate with you regarding your request. Application Fee: Attach the required application fee with the request. The fee amount may vary by state and is usually nominal. However, there are exemptions and concessions available for certain categories of applicants. Submit the Application: Submit the RTI application to the designated Public Information Officer. You can submit it in person, by post, or online, depending on the rules of the concerned department. Track Your Application: Many departments provide an online tracking system where you can check the status of your RTI application. You can use this facility to know the progress and estimated timelines for receiving a response. Response and Appeal: The public authority is required to respond to your RTI application within a specified time frame (usually 30 days). If you do not receive a response or are unsatisfied with the response, you have the right to appeal. File an Appeal: If needed, you can file an appeal with the First Appellate Authority within the department. If you are still not satisfied, you can appeal to the State Information Commission or the Central Information Commission, depending on the level of government. Maintain Records: Keep a record of all communication, including your RTI application, responses, and any appeal documents. This documentation can be useful for reference and future action. It's important to note that the RTI Act is a powerful tool for promoting transparency and accountability in government, and it allows citizens to access information that is not classified or exempted under the law. Familiarize yourself with the specific rules and procedures in your region for the most accurate and effective use of the RTI Act.

The Right to Information (RTI) Act is a powerful tool in India that allows citizens to access information from government bodies and certain private organizations. Here's how to use it: *Who can use RTI?* - Any citizen of India can file an RTI application. *What information can be sought?* - Information related to government activities, decisions, and documents. - Information held by public authorities, including government departments, ministries, and certain private organizations. *How to file an RTI application?* 1. *Identify the public authority*: Determine which government body or organization holds the information you seek. 2. *Write the application*: Clearly state the information you want, providing specific details. 3. *Pay the fee*: Attach the required fee (usually ₹10) and proof of payment. 4. *Submit the application*: Send the application to the designated RTI officer via post, email, or in person. *Key points to remember* - *Time limit*: File the application within 30 days of seeking information. - *Response time*: The public authority should respond within 30 days. - *Appeal*: If unsatisfied, appeal to the first appellate authority within 30 days. - *Second appeal*: If still unsatisfied, appeal to the State Information Commission or Central Information Commission. *RTI application format* - Name and address of the applicant - Name and address of the public authority - Specific information sought - Fee payment details - Signature of the applicant *Tips* - Be clear and specific about the information sought. - Use simple language. - Keep a copy of the application and proof of payment. - Follow up with the public authority if no response is received. By using RTI effectively, citizens can hold those in pow Landmark Cases on RTI - [1] State of U.P. v. Raj Narain, (1975) [2] CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay, (2011) [3] Assn. for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India, 2024 [4] Chief Information Commr. v. State of Manipur, (2011) [5] S.P. Gupta v. Union of India, AIR 1982 [6] Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India v. Cricket Assn. of Bengal, (1995) [7] People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India, (2004) [8] Union of India v. Sankalchand Himatlal Sheth, (1977) [9] Dinesh Trivedi v. Union of India (1997) [10] The CPIO, Supreme Court of India v. Subhash Chandra Agarwal and Another, (2009) [11] CPIO, Supreme Court of India v. Subhash Chandra Aggarwal 2009 [12] Registrar General of High Court of Madras v. K. Elango 2013 https://law4u.in/advocate m.srinivasan tamilnadu

Here are some landmark judgments related to the Right to Information (RTI) Act in India: 1. _Union of India vs. Namit Sharma (2013)_: The Supreme Court held that the RTI Act applies to all constitutional authorities, including the office of the Chief Justice of India. 2. _CBSE vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011)_: The Supreme Court ruled that answer sheets are information under the RTI Act and must be disclosed. 3. _RBI vs. Jayantilal N. Mistry (2016)_: The Supreme Court held that the RBI is subject to the RTI Act and must disclose information related to banks and financial institutions. 4. _High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan vs. State of Rajasthan (2013)_: The Supreme Court ruled that the RTI Act applies to the judiciary, including high courts and subordinate courts. 5. _Anjali Bhardwaj vs. Union of India (2019)_: The Delhi High Court held that the RTI Act applies to private organizations receiving substantial government funding. 6. _Kerala State Electricity Board vs. K. Radhakrishnan (2019)_: The Supreme Court ruled that the RTI Act applies to public sector undertakings. 7. _Chief Information Commissioner vs. High Court of Gujarat (2020)_: The Supreme Court held that the RTI Act applies to the office of the Chief Justice of a high court. These judgments have helped shape the interpretation and implementation of the RTI Act in India, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in governance.