Right To Information Act, 2005 MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Right To Information Act, 2005 - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is 'Section 8 of the Right to Information Act'

Key Points

• Section 8 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act:
  • Section 8 of the RTI Act, 2005, provides a detailed list of exemptions under which information cannot be disclosed to the public.
  • This section ensures that sensitive and confidential information related to national security, sovereignty, and public safety is protected from being disclosed.
  • Key exemptions include information that would:
    • Prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India or its strategic interests.
    • Cause a breach of privilege of the Parliament or State Legislature.
    • Harm ongoing investigations or reveal sources of intelligence.
    • Violate the privacy of an individual or endanger the life and safety of any person.
  • In exceptional cases, even exempted information may be disclosed if it serves a larger public interest.

Additional Information

• Section 9:
  • Section 9 of the RTI Act deals with cases where access to information is denied if it would involve an infringement of copyright held by a third party.
  • It is not related to general exemptions from disclosure like Section 8.
• Section 7:
  • Section 7 specifies the procedure for disposal of RTI requests, including time limits for providing information, fees, and grounds for rejection.
  • It does not address exemptions from disclosure.
• Section 10:
  • Section 10 allows for partial disclosure of information if only certain portions of a record are exempt under Section 8 or 9.
  • It ensures that non-exempt information is still accessible to the requester.

The correct answer is 'forward the application to the concerned authority'

Key Points

• Forwarding the application to the concerned authority:
  • Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 in India, public authorities are required to provide information to citizens upon request, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
  • If the information requested by an applicant is held by another public authority, the RTI Act mandates that the authority receiving the application must forward it to the appropriate authority within five days of receipt.
  • Additionally, the applicant must be informed about this transfer, ensuring that the process is transparent and the applicant is aware of the progress of their request.
  • This provision prevents applicants from being burdened with the task of figuring out which specific authority holds the information and ensures seamless access to information.

Additional Information

• Other options explained:
  • Return the application: Public authorities are not allowed to simply return the application if the requested information is not within their jurisdiction. Returning the application would defeat the purpose of the RTI Act, which aims to facilitate access to information.
  • Impose a fine: Imposing a fine is not the responsibility of the authority receiving the application. Fines under the RTI Act are levied only in cases of non-compliance, delay, or refusal to provide information without justified reasons.
  • Reject the application: Rejecting the application without valid reasons is against the principles of the RTI Act. If the information is not held by the concerned authority, the proper procedure is to forward the application, not reject it.

The correct answer is 'Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005'

Key Points

• Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005:
  • Section 4 of the RTI Act mandates proactive disclosure of information by public authorities.
  • It requires public authorities to maintain and publish detailed records of their functions, powers, and decisions for the public's access.
  • The aim is to ensure transparency and accountability in governance, reducing the need for citizens to file individual RTI applications for basic information.
  • This section also emphasizes the use of digital platforms to provide easy and widespread access to information.

Additional Information

• Explanation of other sections:
  • Section 8: This section provides exemptions under which public authorities can deny access to information. It includes situations where disclosure would affect national security, personal privacy, or public safety.
  • Section 5: This section deals with the designation of Public Information Officers (PIOs) by public authorities to handle RTI requests efficiently.
  • Section 6: This section outlines the procedure for citizens to submit RTI applications, including the format and requirements for requests.
• Importance of Section 4:
  • Section 4 is the cornerstone of transparency under the RTI Act, as it reduces the burden on citizens to seek information and encourages public authorities to self-disclose information proactively.
  • It promotes good governance by fostering openness and reducing instances of corruption and malpractices in administration.

The correct answer is Section 10.

Key Points

• Section 10 of the Right to Information Act, 2005, provides the power to segregate information.
• It allows the Public Information Officer (PIO) to furnish the part of the record which is not exempt from disclosure.
• It ensures that only the exempted part of the information is withheld while the rest is disclosed.
• This section plays a crucial role in maintaining transparency while protecting sensitive information.

Additional Information

• Right to Information Act, 2005
  • It is an act of the Parliament of India which sets out the rules and procedures regarding citizens' right to information.
  • The act was enacted to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority.
  • Under the provisions of the Act, any citizen of India may request information from a "public authority" (a body of Government or "instrumentality of State").
  • The act also mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information.
• Section 8 of RTI Act
  • Section 8 lists the exemptions against furnishing information.
  • These include information affecting the sovereignty and integrity of India, security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, etc.
• Section 9 of RTI Act
  • Section 9 deals with the grounds for rejection to access in certain cases.
  • It states that a request for information may be rejected if the process involves an infringement of copyright.
• Section 11 of RTI Act
  • Section 11 pertains to the third-party information.
  • It provides the procedure to be followed when the information relates to or has been supplied by a third party and has been treated as confidential by that third party.

• Rule 20. Report of Losses:- (1) Any loss of public money, departmental revenue or receipts, stamps, stores or other property held by or on behalf of Government caused by misappropriation, fraudulent drawl/payment or otherwise, which is discovered in a treasury or other office or department shall be immediately reported by the officer concerned to the next higher authority as well as to the Accountant General, even when such loss has been made good by the party responsible for it. Other Rules

• Such reports must be submitted as soon as a suspicion arises that there has been a loss; they must not be delayed while detailed enquiries are made.

• When the matter has been fully investigated, a further and complete report shall be submitted of the nature and extent of the loss showing the errors or neglect of rules by which such loss was rendered possible, and the prospects of effecting a recovery.

• (2) If the irregularity is detected by Audit in the first instance, the Accountant General will report it immediately to the administrative authority concerned, and if he considers necessary, to Government as well.

• (3) Every case of Loss of cash in treasuries whether in the course of remittance or out of Treasury balance, coins, etc., shall be reported to, and dealt with in accordance with the instructions of Finance Department. 

The correct answer is Deemed Rejection.

What is deemed Rejection?

• If the Public Information Officer fails to give information to the informant within the period specified under the Right to Information Act, it is called deemed Rejection.

The Correct Answer is None of A, B and C.

 Key Points

• NCB has been declared an exempt organization under Section 24(1) of the RTI Act, 2005. 
• Under Section 24 read with the 2^nd Schedule of the RTI Act, 2005, the Directorate of Enforcement was exempted from disclosure of information.
• Research And Analysis Wing is Exempted From Disclosures Under RTI.

 Important Points

• The Right to Information Act 2005 is a law enacted by the Parliament of India giving Indians access to Government records.
• Under the terms of the Act, any person may request information from a "public authority" (a body of Government or instrumentality of State) which is expected to reply expeditiously or within thirty days.

 Additional Information

• The following are exempted from the purview of the Act:
  • Matters pertaining to national sovereignty and integrity
  •  Information expressly prohibited to be published by a court of law
  • Information regarding commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, etc.

File notings do not come under the definition of 'information' under the RTI Act 2005.

Section 2(f) of the RTI Act defines 'Information' as any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advice, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force.

 In Right to Information Act (RTI Act), 2005, information" means any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advice, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force.

File notings indicates the thought process of the government which not comes under the definition of 'information' under RTI Act 2005.

Right to Information (RTI) is an act that sets out rules and regulations regarding citizen's right to information. It replaced the former Freedom of Information Act, 2002.

RTI Act 2005:

• The RTI Bill was passed in Parliament and come into force from October 12, 2005.​
• The basic objective of the RTI Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government, contain corruption, and make our democracy work for the people in the real sense.
• Any citizen may request information about the activities of the Public authority i.e. Government authority.  
• The information can be obtained within 30 days from the date of request in normal case and in the matter of life or liberty of a person, information can be obtained within 48 hours from the time of the request.
• Certain information is prohibited under Section 8.
• An appeal against the decision of the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission can be made to an officer who is senior in rank.
• There is a nominal application fee that is needed to be paid to get information under the RTI application.
• The nominal fee to get the information is Rs. 10 for every application as per Rule 3 of the RTI Rules, 2005.

Therefore, Statements (A), (B), (E) only is not correct about the RTI Act, 2005.

The correct answer is (A), (B), (C) and (D) all

Key Points Right to Information Act 2005:

• RTI act 2005 is a law enacted by the parliament of India, giving citizens of India access to records of the central government and state governments.
• The Act applies to all States and Union Territories of India, except the state of Jammu and Kashmir – which is covered under a State-level law.
• It came into force on 12 October 2005 

Important Points

Objectives of RTI act 2005 are:

• To operationalise the fundamental right to information
• To set up system and mechanisms that facilitate people's easy access to information
• To promote transparency and accountability in governance
• To minimize corruption and inefficiency in public offices and ensure people participation in governance and decision-making.

The correct answer is 'forward the application to the concerned authority'

Key Points

• Forwarding the application to the concerned authority:
  • Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 in India, public authorities are required to provide information to citizens upon request, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
  • If the information requested by an applicant is held by another public authority, the RTI Act mandates that the authority receiving the application must forward it to the appropriate authority within five days of receipt.
  • Additionally, the applicant must be informed about this transfer, ensuring that the process is transparent and the applicant is aware of the progress of their request.
  • This provision prevents applicants from being burdened with the task of figuring out which specific authority holds the information and ensures seamless access to information.

Additional Information

• Other options explained:
  • Return the application: Public authorities are not allowed to simply return the application if the requested information is not within their jurisdiction. Returning the application would defeat the purpose of the RTI Act, which aims to facilitate access to information.
  • Impose a fine: Imposing a fine is not the responsibility of the authority receiving the application. Fines under the RTI Act are levied only in cases of non-compliance, delay, or refusal to provide information without justified reasons.
  • Reject the application: Rejecting the application without valid reasons is against the principles of the RTI Act. If the information is not held by the concerned authority, the proper procedure is to forward the application, not reject it.

The correct answer is 'Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005'

Key Points

• Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005:
  • Section 4 of the RTI Act mandates proactive disclosure of information by public authorities.
  • It requires public authorities to maintain and publish detailed records of their functions, powers, and decisions for the public's access.
  • The aim is to ensure transparency and accountability in governance, reducing the need for citizens to file individual RTI applications for basic information.
  • This section also emphasizes the use of digital platforms to provide easy and widespread access to information.

Additional Information

• Explanation of other sections:
  • Section 8: This section provides exemptions under which public authorities can deny access to information. It includes situations where disclosure would affect national security, personal privacy, or public safety.
  • Section 5: This section deals with the designation of Public Information Officers (PIOs) by public authorities to handle RTI requests efficiently.
  • Section 6: This section outlines the procedure for citizens to submit RTI applications, including the format and requirements for requests.
• Importance of Section 4:
  • Section 4 is the cornerstone of transparency under the RTI Act, as it reduces the burden on citizens to seek information and encourages public authorities to self-disclose information proactively.
  • It promotes good governance by fostering openness and reducing instances of corruption and malpractices in administration.

The correct answer is a, c and d only.

Key Points 

• a. Information, the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature: This exemption under Section 8(1) of the RTI Act, 2005, protects information that, if disclosed, would compromise the privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature. Privilege refers to certain rights and immunities granted to these legislative bodies to perform their functions effectively. Disclosing information that could breach this privilege, such as confidential discussions or proceedings, may hinder the functioning of these democratic institutions.
• c. Information received in confidence from a foreign government: This exemption covers information that has been received in confidence from a foreign government. Governments often share sensitive information with each other under the understanding that it will remain confidential. Disclosing such information without proper authorization or consent could strain diplomatic relations, compromise national security, or undermine international agreements.
• d. Information which relates to personal information, the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest: This exemption safeguards personal information that does not have any connection to public activity or public interest. It recognizes the need to protect an individual's privacy rights when disclosing personal information that is unrelated to any public matter. Public authorities are generally expected to disclose information that serves a public purpose, but personal information with no relevance to public affairs is exempted.

Option b. "The monthly remuneration received by an employee" is not exempted from disclosure under Section 8(1) of the RTI Act. As per the Act, salary details of public servants, including monthly remuneration, generally fall under the purview of public information and can be disclosed unless it is protected under any other specific exemption.

Option e. "A statement of the categories of documents that are held by a public authority or under its control" is also not exempted from disclosure. Public authorities are required to maintain and provide information about the categories of documents they hold and are under their control as part of their responsibilities under the RTI Act.

Therefore, the correct answer is a, c, and d only, as these options are specifically mentioned as exemptions under Section 8(1) of the RTI Act, 2005.

The correct answer is 1 and 2.Key Points

• The Indian Parliament passed the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which lays out the guidelines and processes for citizens' access to information.
• The RTI Bill was approved by the Indian Parliament on June 15, 2005, and it became operative on October 12, 2005.
• Section 18 (1) of the RTI Act provides grounds on which a complaint may be filed.
• The complaint may relate to the inability to file RTI to reach into, refusal to give information etc.
• under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, an aggrieved person may prefer the first appeal within thirty days from the receipt of the response from the CPIO of the concerned public authority.