What Counts as "Information" Under RTI (Section 2(f))
Section 2(f), RTI Act 2005
Under RTI, "information" means any material in any form held by a public authority — records, documents, file notings, e-mails, memos, contracts, reports, circulars, orders, samples and data in electronic form. It is defined very widely.
Section 2(f) defines information expansively: it covers any material in any form — records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models and data held in any electronic form. It also includes information relating to a private body that a public authority can access under any other law.
There is an important limit: RTI gives you access to information that already exists in the records of a public authority. It does not require the PIO to create new information, give opinions, or answer hypothetical "why" questions. Ask for the specific record or status that exists.
Key points
- Defined in Section 2(f) — any material in any form, including electronic.
- Includes file notings, e-mails, contracts, reports, orders and data.
- Covers information about a private body that a public authority can access under law.
- Limit: you can seek existing records, not ask the PIO to create information or give opinions.
Related RTI terms
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This is a plain-English summary of the Right to Information Act, 2005 for general understanding — educational, not legal advice. For a specific case, the exact wording of the Act and your facts matter.
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