Table of Contents
Section 2 — Definitions
In one line: Section 2 supplies the operative vocabulary of the Act — what counts as 'information' (2(f)), 'public authority' (2(h)), 'record' (2(i)), 'right to information' (2(j)), 'third party' (2(n)) and the definitions of PIOs and Commissions. Every litigated RTI matter begins with a Section 2 question.
Key points
- 2(a) — 'appropriate Government' — Centre or State depending on which level set up the public authority.
- 2© — 'Central Public Information Officer' — officer designated under Section 5(1).
- 2(e) — 'competent authority' — Speaker of Lok Sabha, Chairman Rajya Sabha, CJI, Governors etc.
- 2(f) — 'information' — any material in any form including records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in electronic form and information relating to private bodies accessible by public authority.
- 2(h) — 'public authority' — body of self-government established by the Constitution, Parliament, State Legislature, or notified under government notification, or owned/controlled/substantially financed by the Government.
- 2(i) — 'record' — document, manuscript, file, microfilm, microfiche, computer data.
- 2(j) — 'right to information' — right under the Act, including (i) inspection, (ii) taking notes/extracts/copies, (iii) taking samples, (iv) obtaining in electronic form.
- 2(n) — 'third party' — person other than applicant or public authority.
Legislative history
No amendments to Section 2 since enactment.
Rulings and references
- CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay, (2011) 8 SCC 497 — scope of 'information' under 2(f) is broad; covers answer sheets.
- Thalappalam Service Coop. Bank Ltd. v. State of Kerala, (2013) 16 SCC 82 — governing test for 'public authority' under 2(h); substantial financing.
- CPIO SC v. Subhash Chandra Agarwal, (2020) 5 SCC 481 — office of the CJI is a public authority.
- DAV College Trust v. DPI, (2019) 9 SCC 185 — private colleges receiving government aid are public authorities.
- Satyapal v. TCIL, CIC (2007) — file notings are 'information' under 2(f).
Practical note
Cite the exact sub-clause in every RTI. 'Information' is broader than 'record'. 'Right to information' under 2(j) includes the right to inspect — a powerful lever when photocopies are refused as 'voluminous'.
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 2.
- 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
Discussion