KSLU RTI Past Questions & Case Studies

Master the Right to Information Act, 2005 by studying these unit-wise past questions from KSLU semester exams.

Unit-I: Historical Development and Constitutional Basis

History of RTI: Trace the history of freedom of information and its development prior to RTI Act, 2005 in India. (2025 July, 2024 Aug, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018)
Constitutional Basis: Explain the provision of Right to Information under the Indian Constitution (Art 19(1)(a)). (2021, 2019, 2016)
Supreme Court Role: Discuss the contribution/role of the Supreme Court in the concept of ‘Right to Know’. (2025 Jan, 2024)
International Perspective: Discuss the International Conventions on Right to Information. (2025 July, 2019, 2017)

Unit-II: Definitions and Obligations of Public Authorities

Public Authority: What is a Public Authority? Explain the obligations of public authorities under Section 4. (2025 July, 2025 Jan, 2024, 2022, 2021)
Applying for Info: Explain the procedure to obtain/apply and disposal of information. (2025 Jan, 2022, 2018, 2017)
Exemptions (Section 8): What are the informations exempted from disclosure? “Transparency is the rule, secrecy is an exception.” (2024 Aug, 2021, 2020)
Severability: Explain the doctrine of severability under Section 10. (2022, 2020, 2016)

Unit-III: Information Commissions, Appeals and Penalties

Central Information Commission (CIC): Explain the constitution, powers, and functions of CIC. (2024, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2017)
State Information Commission (SIC): Explain the constitution, powers, and functions of SIC. (2024 Aug, 2021, 2020, 2018)
Appeals & Penalties: Explain the provision relating to appeal mechanism and distinguish it from a ‘Complaint’. (2025 July, 2024 Aug, 2021, 2019, 2018)

Public Records Act, 1993: Explain the salient features and powers of the Record Officer. (2025 July, 2025 Jan, 2024, 2021)
Official Secrets Act, 1923: How are these provisions relevant to the RTI Act? Explain penalties for spying. (2025 July, 2025 Jan, 2024, 2022, 2021)
Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952: Explain the appointment and power of an Enquiry Commission. (2025 July, 2024 Aug, 2022, 2021)

Unit-V: Judicial Response and Best Practices

Best Practices: Is a citizens’ charter a best practice? Quote examples for effective RTI implementation. (2025 Jan, 2021, 2014)
Landmark Decisions: Discuss decisions by Information Commissions on Banks, Police, and Revenue Departments. (2024 Aug, 2018, 2015)
MKSS: Write a note on Mazdoor Kissan Shakthi Sanghatan. (2025 Jan, 2021, 2015)

Solved Problems (10 Marks)

1. Bank Details of Others

Problem: An applicant seeks details of bank accounts held by a Powerful Minister or a 3rd party. Answer: Denied. Under Section 8(1)(j), personal information which has no relationship to any public activity or interest is exempted unless the larger public interest justifies it.

2. Answer Scripts

Problem: A student wants a copy of his answer script from the University. Answer: Entitled. Based on CBSE vs Aditya Bandopadhyay, answer scripts are “information” and students have a right to access them (though the identity of the valuator may be concealed).

3. Proof of Citizenship

Problem: A PIO demands proof of citizenship before providing information. Answer: Invalid. While Section 3 says “all citizens shall have the right”, the PIO should not ordinarily demand proof unless there is a grave doubt. The RTI Act is for citizens, but the focus is on disclosure.

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