Consider the following statements: An applicant making request for inf

Consider the following statements:
An applicant making request for information under RTI Act, 2005

  • shall give the reason why the information is sought for.
  • shall give his/her personal details.
  • shall not give any reason for requesting the information or any other personal details except those that may be necessary for contacting him.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
The correct option is C because Section 6(2) of the RTI Act, 2005 explicitly states that an applicant is not required to give reasons for seeking information or provide personal details beyond what is necessary for contact.
A cornerstone of the RTI Act is that access to information is a right, and therefore, the applicant does not need to justify their request or reveal extensive personal information.
Section 6(2) is a vital safeguard against potential misuse or intimidation and ensures that the process of seeking information is not burdensome or intrusive for the applicant. The focus is on the right to information itself, not on the applicant’s motives or detailed identity. Only contact information is required to facilitate communication and delivery of the information.