ONLINE CERTIFICATE COURSE ON RIGHT TO INFORMATION
(RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005 – SYLLABUS)UNIT I – Introduction & Constitutional Basis
- Meaning and concept of Right to Information
- Evolution of RTI in India
- Right to Information as a Fundamental Right
- Article 19(1)(a) and freedom of speech & expression
- International perspective on RTI
UNIT II – Objectives, Scope & Definitions
- Objectives of the RTI Act, 2005
- Scope and applicability of the Act
- Important definitions:
- Information
- Public authority
- Appropriate Government
- Record, file, document
UNIT III – Right to Information
- Meaning and nature of the right
- Information accessible under the Act
- Suo motu disclosure (Section 4)
- Obligations of public authorities
UNIT IV – Authorities under the Act
- Central Information Commission (CIC)
- State Information Commission (SIC)
- Composition, appointment, tenure, powers and functions
- Role of Public Information Officer (PIO) and Assistant PIO
UNIT V – Procedure for Seeking Information
- Filing RTI application
- Time limits for providing information
- Fees and costs
- Transfer of applications
- Third-party information (Section 11)
UNIT VI – Exemptions from Disclosure
- Exempted information under Section 8
- Information barred by other laws
- Public interest override
- Information relating to security, sovereignty, trade secrets, personal information
UNIT VII – Appeals & Complaints
- First appeal
- Second appeal
- Complaints under Section 18
- Powers of Information Commissions
UNIT VIII – Penalties & Compensation
- Penalties against PIOs (Section 20)
- Disciplinary action
- Compensation to applicants
UNIT IX – Relationship with Other Laws
- RTI Act and Official Secrets Act, 1923
- RTI Act vis-à-vis privacy laws
- RTI and whistleblower protection
- UNIT X – Judicial Interpretation & Case Laws
- Important Supreme Court and High Court decisions
- RTI vs Right to Privacy (post Puttaswamy judgment)
- Transparency and accountability in governance