When does it come into force?
It comes into force on the 12th October, 2005 (120th day of its
enactment on 15th June, 2005). Some provisions have come into force
with immediate effect viz. obligations of public authorities
[S.4(1)], designation of Public Information Officers and Assistant
Public Information Officers[S.5(1) and 5(2)], constitution of
Central Information Commission (S.12 and 13), constitution of State
Information Commission (S.15 and 16), non-applicability of the Act
to Intelligence and Security Organizations (S.24) and power to make
rules to carry out the provisions of the Act (S.27 and 28).
Who is covered?
The Act extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu
and Kashmir. [S.(12)]
What does information mean?
Information means any material in any form including records,
documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, 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 but does
not include "file notings" [S.2(f)].
What does Right to Information mean?
It includes the right to:
- inspect works, documents, records.
- take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or
records.
- take certified samples of material.
- obtain information in form of printouts, diskettes, floppies,
tapes, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode or through
printouts.[S.2(j)]