---
title: "Right to Information Act, 2005 — Definition & Meaning"
description: "The Right to Information Act, 2005 empowers Indian citizens to access information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/right-to-information-act-2005"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Right to Information Act, 2005 is an Indian statute that empowers any citizen to seek time-bound access to information held by or under the control of public authorities.
- From which fundamental right does the right to information derive, and which cases established this?
- What is the significance of Section 8 of the RTI Act?
- How did the RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 alter the original scheme?
- What enforcement powers do Information Commissions possess?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 15 June 2005

   22 of 2005) received presidential assent on and came fully into force on 12 October 2005, replacing the weaker Freedom of Information Act, 2002, which was n…

2. 12 October 2005

   22 of 2005) received presidential assent on 15 June 2005 and came fully into force on , replacing the weaker Freedom of Information Act, 2002, which was neve…

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Example

In 2019 the Supreme Court, in CPIO v. Subhash Chandra Agarwal, held that the office of the Chief Justice of India is a "public authority" answerable under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

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