Section 2 of RTI Act : Section 2: Definitions

Explanation using Example

Imagine a citizen named John wants to understand how the local municipal corporation is using its funds for public park maintenance. John believes this falls under the purview of the Right to Information Act, 2005. He decides to file an RTI application.

Here's how the definitions from Section 2 apply:

• The appropriate Government in this case would be the State Government since the municipal corporation is established by the State Legislature.
• John seeks information from the public authority, which is the municipal corporation, a body of self-government constituted by law made by the State Legislature.
• The information John requests includes maintenance records, financial reports, and contracts, which are part of the information and record as defined by the Act.
• He will submit his request to the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the municipal corporation. The SPIO is responsible for providing the requested information to John or directing him to the appropriate authority.
• If John is not satisfied with the response or if he is denied the information, he can appeal to the State Information Commission.

John's right to know how public funds are spent on park maintenance is an example of the right to information in action, empowering citizens to hold authorities accountable.