Question

In which year was the Right to Information Act enacted in India?

• A. 2005
• B. 2006
• C. 2004
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 2005

• Enactment and Commencement: The Right to Information (RTI) Act was enacted by the Parliament of India on June 15, 2005, and came into full effect on October 12, 2005.
• Precursor Legislation: The RTI Act, 2005, replaced the older Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
• Pioneering Movements: The civil society movement led by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) under the leadership of social activist Aruna Roy was instrumental in the formulation and passing of this legislation.
• Important Timelines: Under normal circumstances, the Public Information Officer (PIO) must provide the requested information within 30 days of receiving the application. If the requested information concerns the life or liberty of a person, it must be provided within 48 hours.
• Fee Exemption: While a standard fee of ₹10 is charged for filing an application, applicants belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are completely exempt from paying any fees.
• Key States and Global Context: Sweden was the first country in the world to introduce a Right to Information law in 1766. Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to pass a state-level Right to Information Act in 1997.
• Central Information Commission (CIC): Established under Section 12 of the RTI Act, 2005 as a statutory (non-constitutional) body. It comprises the Chief Information Commissioner and up to 10 Information Commissioners.
• Appointment Committee: The selection committee is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
• Notable Personalities: Wajahat Habibullah was the first Chief Information Commissioner of India. Deepak Sandhu was the first woman Chief Information Commissioner. Raj Kumar Goyal took charge as the Chief Information Commissioner of India in December 2025.