The Brave Pedestrian

Mumbai, 31st January, 2018: After RTI Act was enacted in 2005, activists were filled with optimism that the system could be reformed. We believed that MCGM would enforce DC Regulations, Fire Safety norms, etc. if we pointed out violations by builders, hoteliers, contractors, encroachers, slumlords, politicians, etc.  Sadly, our experiences in the last decade have proven us wrong. WE WERE WRONG ABOUT MANY THINGS 1) Earlier, we believed that INFORMATION COMMISSIONERS, APPELLATE TRIBUNALS & COURTS would uphold us with straightforward interpretations of laws and rules. We were wrong.  2) Earlier, we believed that the establishment would HONOUR AND PROTECT RTI ACTIVISTS and whistleblowers. We were wrong. People who expose wrongdoings are termed as blackmailers. They are targeted by both sides.  3) Earlier, we believed that DEEMED CONVEYANCE would give home-owners control over their destinies. We were wrong. It only gives scope for more rampant c...

1. What is Right to Information (RTI)? Right to Information means our right to get information from “public authorities”. Broadly speaking, RTI means that We The People have the right to procure copies of documents from State and Central Government, and other organizations that are controlled, or substantially owned and financed by the government. Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI Act 2005) is called the “Sunshine Act” , because it helps people like you and I -- the citizens of India – to make the government transparent. Also, just as sunlight destroys germs, the Sunshine Act helps the common man to fight against corruption, and to fight for getting his rights from various government authorities, and also from government-regulated private parties such as suppliers of various goods and services, builders and contractors, utility companies, etc. 2. What does RTI Act say? In a nutshell, the Right to Information Act says that any citizen of India has the righ...

July 25, 2009: In this article, I am trying to clear the mental clutter that we passionate RTI applicants and apellants create with wishful thinking and righteous anger. My experience is limited and my knowledge is admittedly partial, but I’m doing my best to be objective. Shailesh Gandhi’s insights and mental discipline have helped me immensely. I am not claiming any expertise and authority, but only some common sense.   Shailesh Gandhi once gave me two examples for how to ask for information: a) ‘Why have I not got a ration card?’ is not asking for information; but ‘I want the progress of my file relating to my application for a ration card’ is asking information. b) ‘ Why have I not got admission?’ is not asking for information, whereas ‘I want the cutoff marks at which admission was given’ is asking for information. Under Chapter 2 of RTI Act 2005 titled “Right to Information and Obligations of Public Authorities”, Section 3 states: “Subject to the provisions of this ...