• 'Notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in the Official Secrets Act, 1923…'
• Also overrides the Indian Evidence Act 1872 Section 123 (state privilege), service rules, and any executive instructions.
• Constitutional provisions and statutes expressly carved out (like RTI Act exemptions themselves) apply.

No amendments.

• RBI v. Jayantilal N. Mistry, (2016) 3 SCC 525 — Section 22 overrides RBI Act confidentiality of bank inspection reports.
• Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs v. MCD, Delhi HC — overrides conflicting Central instructions.
• Multiple CIC decisions — Section 22 overrides confidentiality marks put by departments themselves.

When a PIO cites an older law or an internal circular, respond: 'Section 22 of the RTI Act has overriding effect and renders that provision inoperative to the extent of inconsistency.' Cite RBI v. Jayantilal.

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.

• Back to the full RTI Act
• Section 6 — Request for information
• Section 7 — Disposal
• Section 8 — Exemptions
• Section 19 — Appeals
• All explanations
• Landmark RTI decisions

1. Right to Information Act, 2005, Section 22.
2. RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 (where applicable).
3. DPDP Rules, 2025, notified 14 November 2025 (where applicable).
4. Department of Personnel and Training, Guide on the RTI Act, 2005.

Last reviewed on: 21 April 2026