Table of Contents
Section 24 — Act Not to Apply to Certain Organisations
In one line: Section 24 exempts specified intelligence and security organisations listed in the Second Schedule from the full operation of the Act — EXCEPT allegations of corruption and human rights violations, which remain disclosable.
Key points
- Second Schedule lists bodies: Intelligence Bureau, RAW, Central Bureau of Intelligence, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Directorate of Enforcement (partial), and several paramilitary organisations.
- Exception clause: corruption allegations and human rights violations. These remain within the Act.
- For HR violations, CIC/SIC approval is required before disclosure (Section 24(1) proviso).
Legislative history
Second Schedule amended by notifications adding organisations.
Rulings and references
- UoI v. CPIO IB, Delhi HC — Section 24 bar applies only to the listed organisations; general intelligence claims by others do not invoke it.
- CIC on Army courts-martial — disciplinary proceedings involving corruption or HR abuses must be disclosed even from exempted bodies.
Practical note
If you want information from an IB/RAW-like body, anchor the request in 'allegations of corruption' or 'human rights violations' in the opening paragraph. Without that, Section 24 defeats the request.
Call to action
For drafting RTIs or appeals engaging this section, use the First RTI template or the First Appeal template. See How to fill an RTI application for structural help.
Related
Sources
- Right to Information Act, 2005, Section 24.
- RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 (where applicable).
- DPDP Rules, 2025, notified 14 November 2025 (where applicable).
- Department of Personnel and Training, Guide on the RTI Act, 2005.
Last reviewed on: 21 April 2026