4 Biggest Mistakes you can avoid in your RTI

PIO being Government Servant who perhaps is also the custodian of the information has conflict of interest in giving out such information. Many a times, the information given is 'full but empty'. And they use smart writing skills to give but hide. If you go through the various threads posted at our forums here, you will realise that most of the battle is won or lost during the framing of the questions itself. 

Let us now see what are the biggest mistakes you can avoid in your RTI Application.

1. Asking 'Why' in the RTI Application: As per the RTI Act, the information being asked should be available in any form. The information cannot be created. Thus if a question is asked "why my speed post has not been delivered", probably, the PIO will straightway reject the application and quote nicely the RTI Act Para in the reply. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid ... Read More!
2. Addressing questions pertaining to multiple PIO: As per RTI Act Section 6 (3)(ii) if the RTI Application is made for the subject matter which is not closely associated, the public authority, to which such application is made, shall transfer the application or such part of it as may be appropriate to that other public authority. Now this is a booby trap. The best course of action is to be do some homework by.. Read More!
3. Asking for Voluminous records: If you ask for information which is too voluminous, the PIO will apply section 7(9) stating that "it disproportionately divert the resources of the public authority or would be detrimental to the safety or preservation of the record in question." Thus asking for Muster roll records for 4 year period will fit the case of rejection. It is always advisable that the information period..Read More!
4. Asking for third party information without proving public interest: Now this is the most debated and contested issue in terms of RTI request. If you ask for a third party information always remember to include 'Public Interest' clause..Read More!

- This blog was originally posted by Priya De at our blogging segment here! Thanks to the Author.