Is the RTI Applicant a Consumer?

Not Really

Ever since its inception in 2005, Right to Information (RTI) has played a significant role in empowering commoners. It has been instrumental in unearthing serious scams and making news through mind-boggling revelations. It has empowered the citizenry – enabling them to get answers to all their queries from public offices – as well as compelled the system to be that much more transparent. So far, so very good. Is there another side to the story, though? The fact that this article is being written means that there are questions to be resolved yet, and vagueness and disruption needing to be sorted out. Let’s proceed and take stock of some RTI truths.

Consumer Awakening, Former Member, CDRF-Delhi

from the government. However, does every individual get the desired revert on their RTI application? If not, is there any other way to seek the desired information and also a way to complain against dillydallying officers? Can denial of information sought through RTI be cited as ‘deficiency in services’ and can the seeker of information be considered as a consumer under Consumer Protection Act?