Three forums, one statute. A decision is reported for what it decides about the Act, whichever forum delivered it.
Forums
Art. 136
The final word on the Act's meaning. Reported in full: judgments on the definition of information and of public authority, on the scope of the exemptions in section 8, and on the right to know as part of the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
Cited as [Year] Vol RTI Page (SC)
Art. 226
Most disputes under the Act reach a court as a writ petition against an order of an Information Commission. Reported: judgments of single judges and Division Benches on those petitions, and on the appeals within the High Court that follow.
Cited as [Year] Vol RTI Page (Del)
s. 19(3)
The second appellate authority for central public authorities, and the forum for complaints under section 18. Reported: decisions that settle a question of law or practice, including orders imposing penalties under section 20.
Cited as [Year] Vol RTI Page (CIC)
Index
The subject index follows the order of the Act. These are the provisions on which most reported decisions turn.
What counts as information, a record, and a public authority, including bodies substantially financed by the government.
The duty to publish information without being asked, and what follows when it is not met.
Form of a request, transfer between authorities, fees, the thirty-day limit and the forty-eight-hour limit where life or liberty is at stake.
Each ground for refusal, from security and commercial confidence to fiduciary relationships and personal information, and the public interest that can override them.
Disclosure of the part of a record that is not exempt.
Notice to the third party, their representations, and how the PIO must decide.
First appeals, second appeals to the Commission, and the Commission's powers when deciding them.
When a Public Information Officer is liable, the standard of reasonable cause, and the procedure before a penalty is imposed.
Intelligence and security organisations outside the Act, and the exception for allegations of corruption and human rights violations.
Format
RTI Reporter is published in print only. This website describes the publication; it does not offer online access to judgments, a searchable database or downloads. To read the decisions, subscribe to the printed volumes.