CIC compendium collates 43 landmark RTI decisions

It covers various aspects of the Right to Information Act, 2005, including the interpretation of provisions regarding public authorities, exemptions, and the right to access information.

Who it concerns: The rulings concern various Public Authorities such as the Government of NCT of Delhi, DSSSB, State Bar Councils, NGOs (e.g., Alamdar Social Welfare Society), the Indian Government Mint, NPCI, Mumbai International Airport, Railways (East Central, Northern, West Central), Ordnance Factories, Cantonment Boards, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister's Office, STQC, Passport Offices, Delhi Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Reserve Bank of India, and Mormugao Port Trust. The applicants are citizens seeking information from these entities.

What was ruled

• Definition of 'information' and 'public authority' under Section 2
• Right to information under Section 3
• Procedures for requesting information under Section 6
• Exemptions from disclosure under Section 8, including personal privacy, commercial confidence, and cabinet papers
• Provisions regarding the transfer of applications between public authorities
• Interpretation of 'appropriate Government' and 'record'

Also in the document

• The compendium collates 43 orders/decisions from various registries of the Commission.
• The publication was initiated to commemorate 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
• The foreword notes that implementation of the RTI Act remains a work-in-progress and legal interpretations continue to evolve.