1. The Right to Information:
A Tool for Good
Governance
PRESENTED BY
JONTY VADHERA
ROLL NO- 3243

2. Right to Information
(RTI)
A Powerful Tool for
Strengthening Democracy and
Enhancing Good Governance

3. Constitutional Provisions of
RTI
The Right to Information is a fundamental
right under the Constitution of India
Information is necessary for protection of
the right to life and liberty. It is therefore a
part of Article 21
Information is necessary to form and
express opinions, dissent or support on any
matter. It is therefore a part of Article 19 (1)(a)

4. Key Attributes of Good
Governance
Transparency
Transparency and Accountability for
Responsibility
Accountability
Participation and
Responsiveness (to the needs of
the people)

5. So What is Right to
Information?
Asking for and
being given
information as a
matter of right

6. What is Right to Information
Act?
Establishes a process for accessing
information held by public authorities
Ordinarily places an obligation on them to
give information
Provides a grievance redressal mechanism
for citizens who have been denied
information in an unreasonable manner

7. Genesis of RTI in India
The RTI movement was first started
in Rajasthan by the Mazdoor Kisan
Shakti Sanghathan(MKSS), an
organization founded by Aruna Roy,
an IAS officer who left her job to
actively involve herself in this
movement in 1990.

8. Important Facts about RTI in India
Grassroot level movement
Only country to call it a ‘Right’
and not ‘Freedom’.
Fight for life and livelihood

9. What Rights are available under RTI Act
2005?
The Right to Information Act came into force on 12th October,
2005.
Right to Information Act 2005 empowers every citizen to
Ask any questions from the Government or seek any information
Take copies of any government documents
Inspect any government documents
Inspect any Government works
Take samples of materials of any Government work

10. Appellate Authority (AA)
[Sec. 12-19] First Appeal
(Internal)
The officer senior in rank to the PIO
in the concerned public authority
(Within 30 days from the date of refusal
letter but delay may be condoned if
sufficient cause is shown)
Time limit = 30 days

11. Appellate Authority (AA)
[Sec. 12-19] Second appeal
(External)
to Central/State Information Commission
(within 90 days from the date of decision of first AA but
delay may be condoned if sufficient cause is shown)
No time limit for CIC/SIC to decide on appeals
Decision of CIC/SIC Burden of proof lies on PIO
is binding for justifying denial of
information
Appeal against IC’s decision can be filed in High
Courts/Supreme Court, not lower courts

12. Penalty Provisions
 IC can penalise PIO Rs. 250/- per day up to a maximum of
Rs. 25,000/- for -
• Refusal to receive application
Without
• Not furnishing information reasonable
within time limit cause
• Malafidely denying information
• Knowingly giving incorrect,
incomplete, misleading For persistent
information violation of the law IC
can recommend
• Destroying information which disciplinary action
was the subject of request
• Obstructing furnishing of
information in any manner

13. Some of the success stories of RTI
RTI confirms illegal water extraction in New Delhi
Hawker uses RTI to fight harassment by cops in Delhi
RTI Impact: Misuse of CM’s Relief Fund exposed in Mumbai
Rajasthan: Kaniram gets his ration within 3 days of filing an RTI
application
Karnataka: Grant used by MLAs without submitting bills
Haryana: Construction of Street is possible with the magic of RTI
Act
Life convict uses RTI to prove innocence in Andhra Pradesh
Rape victim uses RTI to nail corrupt cops in Gujarat
Jharkhand: Ranchi Passport office assured to work fast

14. Recent Developments
RTI activist becomes Chief Information
Commissioner replacing a retired
bureaucrat promises to ensure speedy
dispensation of pending cases
RTI activists fight to retain file notings
despite government threat to make
amendment in RTI Act
Introduction of Certificate Course on RTI

15. THANK
YOU