Public Section Preview
Quick Revision Table
| Section / Provision | Key Content |
|---|---|
| Enactment date | 15 June 2005 |
| Enforcement date | 12 October 2005 |
| Section 2(f) | Definition: "information" — any material in any form |
| Section 2(h) | Definition: "public authority" — constitutionally/legislatively created or govt-funded |
| Section 2(j) | Definition: "right to information" — inspect, copy, sample, electronic data |
| Section 3 | All citizens have the right to information |
| Section 4 | Suo motu disclosure of 17 categories; proactive transparency |
| Section 5 | Designation of PIO and APIO |
| Section 6 | Application process; ₹10 fee; no reason required; BPL free |
| Section 7 | 30 days (normal); 48 hours (life/liberty); 35 days via APIO |
| Section 8(1) | 10 categories of exempted information |
| Section 8(2) | Public interest override — can disclose even exempt info |
| Section 8(3) | Historical info exempt for 20 years (categories a, c, i) |
| Section 9 | Rejection for disproportionate resource use or copyright |
| Section 10 | Severability — provide non-exempt parts after redaction |
| Section 11 | Third-party consultation: 10 days to respond; 40-day total |
| Section 12 | Central Information Commission (CIC) established |
| Section 15 | State Information Commission (SIC) established |
| Section 19 | First Appeal (30 days to senior officer); Second Appeal to CIC/SIC (90 days) |
| Section 20 | Penalty: ₹250/day; max ₹25,000; burden on PIO |
