What is new in RTI Act?

Why in News?

• The Madras High Court has set aside an order passed by Tamil Nadu State Information Commission directing a cooperative society to disclose information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005.

The Right to Information Act, 2005:

• The basic objective of RTI Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government.
• In view of it parliament passes an act called Right to Information (RTI) Act in June, 2005.
• Salient Features :
  • All citizens possess the right to information.
  • Applicabilty:
    • All Central, State and local level bodies which are set up under the Constitution or under any other State or Central statue, which includes even bodies like the President, the legislature and the judiciary and all related Ministries, departments and agencies.
    • Anybody owned, controlled or substantially financed or any non-Government organization substantially financed directly or indirectly by Government. This includes private bodies which receive funding from the Government.
  • Exemption:
    • Some bodies such as security or intelligence agencies
  • It requires that PIOs shall provide information within 30 days but applications requesting information regarding a citizen’s life and liberty must be granted or refused within 48 hours.

Q1) Who appoints the State Information Commissioner?

State Information Commissioner appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the committee consisting of the Chief Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and a state Cabinet Minister.

Source: RTI Act will not apply to cooperative societies, says Madras HC

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