Predicted Questions and Model Answers

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Q1: What is the definition of 'information' and 'public authority' under the RTI Act 2005? (5 marks, 50 words)

Model Answer (51 words): Under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act 2005, "information" means any material in any form — records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, orders, or electronic data. "Public authority" [Section 2(h)] means any body established by the Constitution, parliamentary or state law, or substantially financed by government funds, including NGOs receiving government funding.

Q2: What are the key exemptions under Section 8 of the RTI Act 2005? (5 marks, 50 words)

Model Answer (52 words): Section 8 exempts disclosure of information affecting national sovereignty, security, or foreign relations; Cabinet deliberations; trade secrets; fiduciary information; details endangering life; information impairing investigation or prosecution; and purely personal information. However, Section 8(2) permits disclosure even of exempt information when public interest in disclosure outweighs the harm to protected interests.

Q3: Explain the time limits prescribed under Section 7 of the RTI Act 2005. (5 marks, 50 words)

Model Answer (50 words): Under Section 7, a Public Information Officer must provide information within 30 days of receiving an application. If the information concerns a person's life or liberty, it must be provided within 48 hours. Applications received through APIO have a 35-day limit. Delay beyond 30 days entitles the applicant to free information.

Q4: Describe the penalty provisions under Section 20 of the RTI Act 2005. (5 marks, 50 words)

Model Answer (49 words): Under Section 20, if a PIO refuses, delays, misleads, obscures, destroys, or obstructs access to information without reasonable cause, the Information Commission may impose a penalty of ₹250 per day, subject to a maximum of ₹25,000. The PIO bears the burden of proving the refusal was justified; disciplinary action may also be recommended.

Q5: What is the role of the Central Information Commission under the RTI Act 2005? (5 marks, 50 words)

Model Answer (50 words): The Central Information Commission (CIC), established under Section 12, comprises the Chief Information Commissioner and up to ten Information Commissioners appointed by the President. It hears second appeals and complaints against central public authorities, has civil court powers to summon witnesses and inspect records, and can impose penalties and award compensation under Section 19–20.

Q6: What is the significance of Section 4 (pro-active disclosure) under the RTI Act 2005? (5 marks, 50 words)

Model Answer (51 words): Section 4 mandates public authorities to proactively publish 17 categories of information — including organisational structure, functions, rules, budget, and welfare programme beneficiaries — without waiting for RTI applications. This reduces the burden on both citizens and PIOs, promotes preventive transparency, and shifts governance culture from secrecy-as-default to openness-as-default, strengthening democratic accountability.