---
title: "RTI Act 2005 — Definition & Meaning | Model Diplomat"
description: "The RTI Act 2005 empowers Indian citizens to request information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in governance."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/rti-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 empowering any citizen to seek information from public authorities, mandating disclosure within fixed time limits.
- What is the prescribed time limit for furnishing information under the RTI Act?
- Which provision gives the RTI Act overriding effect over the Official Secrets Act, 1923?
- How did the RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 affect Information Commissions?
- Which constitutional articles form the basis of the right to information?

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

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## Timeline

1. 15 June 2005

   The Right to Information Act, 2005 received presidential assent on and came into full force on 12 October 2005, repealing the weaker Freedom of Information…

2. 12 October 2005

   The Right to Information Act, 2005 received presidential assent on 15 June 2005 and came into full force on , repealing the weaker Freedom of Information Act…

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Example

In 2019, in Subhash Chandra Agarwal's case, the Supreme Court held that the office of the Chief Justice of India is a "public authority" under the RTI Act, subject to disclosure obligations.

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