SC gives states, UT’s , HC’s 3 months to set up online RTI portal

SC gives states, UT’s , HC’s 3 months to set up online RTI portal

Subject : polity

Section: msc

Concept :

• The Supreme Court has directed the States and Union Territories to set up and operationalise online Right to Information (RTI) portals within three months to ensure transparency in governance.
• Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 stipulated that an information seeker had a statutory right to move an application through electronic means.
• However, several High Courts and most district courts entertain only physical RTI applications.

Background

• The Supreme Court launched an online portal that will help citizens file and access applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act in matters related to the court.
• Though the Act was enacted in October 2005, after a lapse of 17 years, online web portals are still to be operationalised by some of the High Courts.

Section 6 of RTI Act : Manner of making a request for information

• Section 6(1) provides for the manner of making a request by a person who desires to obtain any information under this Act.
• Manner of making requests: In writing or through electronic means.
• Language: English/Hindi/official language of the area in which the application is being made.
• Any fee: Such application shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
• To whom application is made: To the CPIO/SPIO of the concerned public authority or to the Central Assistant Public Information Officer/State Assistant Public Information Officer.
• Contents of application: Particulars of information sought by the applicant.
• When the request cannot be made in writing
• The proviso to Section 6(1) deals with a case where the applicant has made an oral request for information. It states that where a person cannot make a written request, the CPIO/SPIO shall assist such person to reduce his request in writing.
• Applicant need not give his details
• As per Section 6(2), a person seeking information under the Act need not disclose any reason for such request or his personal details except such information that might be required for contacting him.
• When the information requested is held by another public authority, etc:
• Section 6(3) deals with the case where an application is made to a public authority requesting information that is held by another public authority, or the subject matter of which is more closely related with the functions of another public authority. In this case, the public authority to whom the application is filed must transfer the application, or the concerned portion of it, to that other public authority and notify the applicant of the transfer as soon as possible. The section provides for a maximum of five days for transferring the application.