APPLYING THE LAW

Responding to Requests

When processing an application, the most important thing to remember is that the citizen requesting information is a partner - not an enemy. The requester is simply exercising a fundamental right, and you have a duty to assist them. In doing so, you should feel free to talk to the requester to ensure that you are giving them what they need.

This is particularly important where an application looks a bit vague and may require a large number of records to be retrieved. Rather than resenting the burden of handling the request, consider contacting the requester to clarify if they really want all the records or if it is possible for them to tighten their search. It is possible that they were unsure of what they were requesting, and that if you help them, you can cooperatively ensure access to the information they actually want. Of course, if they DO actually want all the records requested, you are duty bound to provide them.

The key is to remember that you are working to help the requester and can always talk to them to see if you can negotiate a happy outcome for all parties.

• Flowchart for application under the Central RTI Act

Please click on the link to the Central RTI Act to read the detailed provisions contained in the law. Please click on the link to CHRI's State RTI pages to find out more about relevant rules and implementation in your specific State.