The Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI Act 2005) states that all Indian citizens can access information which is under the control of public authorities.(( Section 4, Right to Information Act, 2005)) For example, if you want to know why your tax returns are delayed, then you can file an RTI application.
If you require any information which is tax related, you can approach the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) or Central Assistant Public Information Officer (CAPIO) as the case may be, and specify the particulars of the information you require.((RTI, Income Tax Department, available at https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/Pages/right-to-information.aspx The request has to be:
- Made in writing or submitted online
- Written in English, Hindi or official language of the state you are living in
- Accompanied by fees requested during the application
The Public Information Officer will also help you write down the application if you require assistance. Other than the personal details, you will not have to give any reason for asking the information.
The CPIO has to provide the information within 30 days of the receipt of the request. If he does not do this, he may be punished with a penalty of Rs. 25,000. For details of CPIO, please click here and visit the respective Field Offices/Directorate Generals Pages or call Aaykar Sampark Kendra at 0124-2438000.
If you require any assistance on filing an FIR, then you can check out the Right to Information topic for any further clarification.