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What are suo motu disclosures under Section 4?

What are suo motu disclosures under Section 4?

27-Aug-2025

R.T.I

Answer By law4u team

Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, Section 4 requires every public authority to make certain information available to the public proactively — without anyone having to file an RTI application. These are called suo motu disclosures. Key points • Purpose – To promote transparency, reduce corruption, and minimise the need for formal RTI requests. • What must be disclosed (examples from Section 4(1)(b)): – Organisation’s functions, duties, and powers of officers – Procedures for decision-making – Norms for discharge of functions – Rules, regulations, instructions, manuals, and records used in decision-making – Categories of documents held – Directory of officers and employees – Remuneration of employees – Budget and expenditure details – Subsidy programmes, beneficiaries, and manner of execution – Details of information available in electronic form – Facilities for obtaining information • Manner of disclosure – Through official websites, notice boards, publications, or other accessible means. • Update requirement – Information must be updated regularly so the public always has access to the latest data.

Answer By Anik

Dear Client, Suo et alio authorities which is in terms of Article 4 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005, refers to the provision that which allows public authorities to proactively and voluntarily bring out information to the public domain instead of a citizen having to file a particular RTI request. The term "suo motu" is of the meaning that which is on its own motion. This provision is for the purpose of promoting transparency and accountability which in turn will reduce the public’s need to put forth formal requests. What is Section 4? Section 4 of the RTI Act presents that public authorities which have to maintain records and also proactively put out a wide variety of info. This is the base of the RTI Act’s transparency structure. It includes:. Section 4(1)(b): This section reports that which public authority will put out 17 particular types of info within 120 days of the Act going into law and also to report on it each year. These include:. The roles of the public authority. The roles and functions of its staff. The guidelines, policies and handbooks used for performing its functions. The compensation of the staff and officers. Information on the budget allocation and how it is spent. Information on subsidy programs which also includes their beneficiaries. Details of concessions, permits, or authorizations issued. Public Information Officers (PIOs) and their details. Section 4(2): This section reports that it is the responsibility of all public authorities to put out as much info as they can proactively to the public at regular intervals which we may use any means of communication to do so including the internet. We aim to reduce the number of times that citizens have to use the Act in order to access information. Section 4(3) & 4(4): These rules state that the info must be made available to all, in a easy to access format, and in the local language which also takes into account cost effectiveness. Also we see that which electronic formats are very much at the fore. Why is it Important? The issue of what we term as suo motu disclosure is very important because it puts the responsibility of putting forth info on the government rather than the citizen. When public authorities proactively bring out relevant info, it:. Reduces the rate of RTI applications. Promotes an open and transparent government. Empowers the citizenry with info which in turn enables them to hold public officials to account and also get more involved in the governance process. In fact public authorities use their websites, notice boards, and other methods of public announcement for the main purpose of these disclosures. Also they should be updated regularly to be of value to the public. I hope this answer helps to resolve your queries. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions. Thank you!

Answer By Ayantika Mondal

Dear Client, In terms of Section 4 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act we see that which is referred to as “suo motu” is when a public authority without being asked reports the information out to the public. The term itself is a legal Latin phrase which means the public body is to publish such info at its own initiative. This provision is for the most part a step toward greater government transparency and accountability which also at the same time puts into relief that we do not have to put as much pressure on citizens to file private RTI requests. What the law does is to put out important info out there where it is easy to get and also which in turn is to empower the public and at the same time ease the load on public authorities. Key Obligations Under Section 4 Section 4(1)(b) in the RTI Act presents a list of 17 particular areas of information which public authorities are to proactively make available. Also these disclosures are to be updated at regular intervals which in any case are annual. Also included in this are some very important categories of info which must be made public. Organizational Details: The roles, tasks, authorities and responsibilities of the public authority also the names and details of its staff. Decision-Making Process: In the running of the decision making process which also includes the supervision and accountability aspects. Financial Information: The funding put forth for each of its agencies which includes details of budgets, outgoings and disbursements. Rules and Regulations: A public authority’s set of rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records which they use in performing their functions. Service Delivery: Information on subsidy programs which includes the amounts allocated and the list of beneficiaries also details of recipients of concessions, permits or authorizations. Public Information Officers: Public Information Officers (PIOs) that have been assigned to deal with RTI requests and their details. Dissemination Methods The Act requires that this info be made available to the public at large and in a format which is easy for the average person to access. Although notice boards and newspapers are referred to as traditional methods, the Internet is put forth as the main and very effective tool for this. Also many government agencies and PSUs have designed special sections on their websites for what may be called proactive disclosers. The principle of spontaneous disclosure is at the base of the RTI Act’s aim to open up and clarify governance. I hope this answer helps to resolve your queries. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions. Thank you!