Handbook on Right to Information Act, 2005

Freedom of Information, a phrase coined in the United States, is a very different notion from the freedom of speech, freedom of press or freedom of expression. It empowers the common man to obtain information in possession of the State. The Right to Information Act, 2005 is a very powerful tool, given in the hands of Indian citizens. It provides them a chance to transform the way the government and its officials function. Asking the government for information, one asks for the government to be transparent and accountable to its citizens.The present volume is a comprehensive book containing the historical perspective of this sunshine Act world over including India. The people's struggle compelled the Indian Parliament to finally enact the Right to Information Act, 2005, which ultimately came into effect from 12th October, 2005 in all the States of India except the State of Jammu & Kashmir.The present volume, now in its second edition, in simple but interesting language, deals with all the aspects of this Act with real life stories. Another uniqueness of this book is that a separate chapter has been exclusively devoted on framing the questions for moving an application under section 6 of this Act.The present volume also contains an exhaustive commentary on all the sections of the Act with appropriate comments and deficiencies at appropriate places. The author has made all efforts to consolidate all laws relating to right to information and present in a lucid language, in a coherent manner and logical sequence. The book has been divided into 6 Parts. It also contains specimen forms that can be used for not only moving first application under the Act to seek information but also specimen application forms for moving first and second appeal too.

This publication attempts to focus on the practical aspects of its implementation and throws light on certain grey areas of the Right to Information Act, 2005.