Right to Information
Social Justice & Welfare
Constitution VerifiedUPSC Verified
Version 1Updated 9 Mar 2026
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The Right to Information in India finds its foundational roots in the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression. Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India states: 'All citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression.' The Supreme Court of India has consistently interpreted this fundamental right to include the right to know, the right to receive information…
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- RTI Act, 2005: Statutory right to information.
- Constitutional Basis: Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech & Expression).
- Key Timelines: 30 days (general), 48 hours (life/liberty).
- PIO: Public Information Officer, first point of contact.
- Exemptions: Section 8 (e.g., national security, privacy, commercial confidence).
- Information Commissions: CIC (Central), SICs (State) – appellate bodies.
- RTI Amendment Act, 2019: Central govt. prescribes tenure/terms for Commissioners.
- Penalties: Rs. 250/day up to Rs. 25,000 on PIOs for non-compliance.
- Proactive Disclosure: Section 4, mandatory for public authorities.
- Overrides: RTI Act overrides Official Secrets Act, 1923.
INFORM
- Information is a Right (Article 19(1)(a))
- No Secrecy (Overrides Official Secrets Act)
- Fast Response (30 days, 48 hrs for life/liberty)
- Obligation to Disclose (Section 4 Proactive Disclosure)
- Review & Penalties (Appeals to CIC/SIC, Section 20 Penalties)
- Manage Exemptions (Section 8, Public Interest Override)