This flowchart illustrates the step-by-step process for a citizen to seek information under the Right to Information Act, 2005, including the appeal mechanism.
A mind map illustrating the constitutional basis, key provisions, significance, and challenges of the Right to Information, with a specific link to the Electoral Bonds controversy.
This flowchart illustrates the step-by-step process for a citizen to seek information under the Right to Information Act, 2005, including the appeal mechanism.
A mind map illustrating the constitutional basis, key provisions, significance, and challenges of the Right to Information, with a specific link to the Electoral Bonds controversy.
Files RTI application to Public Information Officer (PIO) / Assistant PIO
Pays prescribed fee (e.g., ₹10)
PIO receives application. Is information exempt under Section 8?
PIO provides information within 30 days (48 hrs for life/liberty)
Information not provided / unsatisfactory / exempt
Files First Appeal to First Appellate Authority (FAA) within 30 days
FAA decision. Is it satisfactory?
Files Second Appeal to Central/State Information Commission (CIC/SIC) within 90 days
Derived from Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech)
RTI Act, 2005 (replaces FoI Act 2002)
Section 4: Proactive Disclosure
Section 8: Exemptions from Disclosure
PIOs, FAAs, CIC/SICs (Appellate Bodies)
Promotes Transparency & Accountability
Empowers Citizens in Governance
Checks Corruption
RTI (Amendment) Act 2019 (autonomy concerns)
Backlog of Appeals, Lack of Awareness
Electoral Bonds (Anonymity vs. RTI)
Files RTI application to Public Information Officer (PIO) / Assistant PIO
Pays prescribed fee (e.g., ₹10)
PIO receives application. Is information exempt under Section 8?
PIO provides information within 30 days (48 hrs for life/liberty)
Information not provided / unsatisfactory / exempt
Files First Appeal to First Appellate Authority (FAA) within 30 days
FAA decision. Is it satisfactory?
Files Second Appeal to Central/State Information Commission (CIC/SIC) within 90 days
Derived from Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech)
RTI Act, 2005 (replaces FoI Act 2002)
Section 4: Proactive Disclosure
Section 8: Exemptions from Disclosure
PIOs, FAAs, CIC/SICs (Appellate Bodies)
Promotes Transparency & Accountability
Empowers Citizens in Governance
Checks Corruption
RTI (Amendment) Act 2019 (autonomy concerns)
Backlog of Appeals, Lack of Awareness
Electoral Bonds (Anonymity vs. RTI)
Any citizen of India can request information from a public authorityany authority or body established by or under the Constitution, by any law made by Parliament or State Legislature, or by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government.
Public authorities are mandated to proactively disclose certain information under Section 4 of the Act.
Information must be provided within 30 days of the request, or within 48 hours if it concerns the life or liberty of a person.
If the information is not provided or is unsatisfactory, citizens can file appeals with the First Appellate Authority and then with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commissions (SICs).
The Act provides for certain exemptions from disclosure under Section 8, including information related to national security, foreign relations, commercial confidence, and personal privacy.
It aims to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority.
The Act empowers citizens to participate in governance and hold public officials accountable.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs) are the highest appellate bodies under the Act.
This flowchart illustrates the step-by-step process for a citizen to seek information under the Right to Information Act, 2005, including the appeal mechanism.
A mind map illustrating the constitutional basis, key provisions, significance, and challenges of the Right to Information, with a specific link to the Electoral Bonds controversy.
Right to Information (RTI)
Any citizen of India can request information from a public authorityany authority or body established by or under the Constitution, by any law made by Parliament or State Legislature, or by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government.
Public authorities are mandated to proactively disclose certain information under Section 4 of the Act.
Information must be provided within 30 days of the request, or within 48 hours if it concerns the life or liberty of a person.
If the information is not provided or is unsatisfactory, citizens can file appeals with the First Appellate Authority and then with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commissions (SICs).
The Act provides for certain exemptions from disclosure under Section 8, including information related to national security, foreign relations, commercial confidence, and personal privacy.
It aims to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority.
The Act empowers citizens to participate in governance and hold public officials accountable.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs) are the highest appellate bodies under the Act.
This flowchart illustrates the step-by-step process for a citizen to seek information under the Right to Information Act, 2005, including the appeal mechanism.
A mind map illustrating the constitutional basis, key provisions, significance, and challenges of the Right to Information, with a specific link to the Electoral Bonds controversy.
Right to Information (RTI)
