Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

While it is possible that some elements may misuse the RTI Act, there is very little opportunity for the PIO to verify the intentions of the applicant. While the personal contact details of the applicant are available,it is impossible to verify his/her intention in seeking information. Furthermore, Section 6(2) makes it clear that the applicant will not be required to give reasons for seeking information. An honest and sincere officer need not fear blackmailing. The best way to avoid blackmailing is to make available as much information as possible proactively. As far as possible upload all information, disclosed upon request, on the website. When information is accessible by a large number of people the possibility of blackmailing may not arise.

PIO cannot reject an RTI application stating that it is not typewritten. Sec 6(1) of the Act specially provides for application to be submitted 'in writing' and not necessarily in a typed form.

The PIO is required to take a decision about giving or not giving information only if the application is complete in all respects. An application is complete only if it has all contact details about the applicant and the nature of the information requested along with proof of payment of application fees or proof of BPL identity for claiming fee waiver. An APIO may forward only complete applications to the PIO. If the applicant has submitted an incomplete application, it is the duty of the PIO or the APIO, as the case may be, to request the applicant to complete the application in all respects to facilitate the commencement of processing of the information request by the PIO.