Jaago India - Rights

Right to Information (RTI) is a part of fundamental rights under Article 19(1) of the Constitution.

Article 19 (1) says that every citizen has freedom of speech and expression.

Highlights from the case of Raj Narain vs. State of UP, 1976 :

The Supreme Court Ruled:

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India is a democracy. People are the masters. Therefore, the masters have a right to know how the governments, meant to serve them, are functioning.
Further, every citizen pays taxes. Even a beggar on the street pays tax (in the form of sales tax, excise duty etc) when he buys a piece of soap from the market. The citizens therefore, have a right to know how their money was being spent.
These three principles were laid down by the Supreme Court while saying that RTI is a part of our fundamental rights.

A citizen desirous of obtaining any information under the Right to Information Act shall approach the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) or Central Assistant Public Information Officer (CAPIO).

Such request will have to be made in writing or through electronic means in English or Hindi or in the official language of the area in which the application is being made.

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It will have to be accompanied with the prescribed fees.
The CPIO or CAPIO as the case may be shall render all reasonable assistance to reduce the oral request in writing.
An applicant making request for information shall not be required to give any reason for requesting the information or any other personal details except those that may be necessary for contacting him.

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In respect of all requests received from the citizens under the RTI Act 2005, the respective CPIO has to provide the information within 30 days of the receipt of the request.
Failing which he is liable to a penalty of maximum upto Rs.25,000/- and possible disciplinary action.
There is appellate mechanism under the RTI Act which can be used by citizens if they are not satisfied with response of CPIO.

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Appellate authorities have also been appointed by the Income Tax department.
Right to Information: (for Income Tax)
There is certain information that the Income Tax Department is required to publish in terms of Section 4 of the RTI Act 2005.

Click here to view the information.