RTI Act 2005: Identifying Who Faces Penalties
The Right to Information Act, 2005 outlines provisions for penalties when information access is hindered or the Act's requirements are not met. The Central Information Commission (CIC) is the appellate body responsible for enforcing these provisions.
Penalty Imposition Under RTI Act
According to Section 20 of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the Central Information Commission (CIC) can impose a penalty on specific individuals. This penalty is applicable when a Public Information Officer (PIO):
- Has "without reasonable cause, refused to receive an application for information or to furnish information ordered to be furnished... or knowingly gave incorrect, incomplete or misleading information or destroyed information that was the subject of a request... or obstructed in any manner in furnishing the information...".
- Fails to comply with any other provisions of the Act without reasonable cause.
The penalty amount specified is typically up to ₹25,000, and it can be levied based on the CIC's findings regarding the PIO's failure to fulfill their duties under the RTI Act.
Targeted Authority for Penalty
Based on the Act's provisions, the responsibility for providing information lies directly with the designated officer within a public authority. Therefore, the Central Information Commission (CIC) imposes penalties on the Public Information Officer when violations occur.
Important Questions from Right To Information Act, 2005
As per RTI Act, 2005, which of the following are exempted from disclosure [U/S 8(1)]?
a. Information, the disclosure of which cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature.
b. The monthly remuneration received by employee.
c. Information received in confidence from foreign government.
d. Information which relates to personal information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest.
e. A statement of the categories of documents that are held by public authority or under its control.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Which of the following statements are true regarding the objectives of Right to Information Act? Indicate the correct code:
(A) To operationalise the fundamental right to information
(B) To set up system and mechanisms that facilitate people's easy access to information
(C) To promote transparency and accountability in governance
(D) To minimize corruption and inefficiency in public offices and ensure people participation in governance and desicion making
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Which of the following does not come under the definition of "Information" under RTI Act, 2005?
Out of the following statements, which is not correct about the RTI Act. 2005?
(A) The RTI Act come into force from October 13, 2005.
(B) Any citizen may request information from a Public Authority (Both Govt. and Private)
(C) Reply for information asked can be given within 30 days.
(D) There is a nominal application fee that are needs to pay to get information under the RTI application.
(E) For getting information. applicant has to pay Rs. 10/- per page of information for Central Govt. Departments.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
The rights and functions of the Central Information Commission (RTI Act) are mentioned in which sections?
(1) 18 and 19
(2) 20 and 25
(3) 12 and 17
(4) 13 and 15
