Title: PIO’s Guide to RTI

Authors: Dr. R.K. Verma & Dr. Anuradha Verma

Edition: 2nd Edition; 2023

No. of pages: 912

Publisher: M/s Taxmann

Price: INR 2595 / USD 68

ISBN No. 978-93-5778-529-7

Hardbound

The second edition of the “PIO’s Guide to RTI” has been published by M/s Taxmann in October 2023. The first edition came in 2011 and the next edition was much awaited.

The book is essentially a subject wise compilation of the operative part of the CIC orders and judgments of Courts interspersed with explanations of terms and concepts. The listing of content is very detailed and covers 29 pages, which makes it effortless to search for a case law which the reader desires. The plethora of case laws makes the work of the PIO simple to provide information by referring to a similar case law. The minutest of the issue under the RTI Act which one could fathom has been duly covered in the book. The authors have been successful in maintaining the balance between using common language which makes the reader friendly, while retaining the legal aspects of the Act.

The chapter on section 4 is all-encompassing which would enable the public authorities to understand the concepts of pro- active disclosure, duties of nodal officer, third party audit etc. in depth. The specific guidelines in the book would be helpful to the public authorities in the fulfillment of their duties.

The advocates and RTI activists would also find the book interesting for the deep knowledge it offers.

From the publisher’s side, the printing and paper quality is first-rate.

Overall, it is a must have book for all the Public Information Officers and the First Appellate Authorities.

Pros: Extensive case laws, Excellent division into headings, Elaborate examples and tips for PIO/FAA to avoid penalty, Misuse of RTI and ways to deal with it

Cons: Thick, On the costlier side

Disclaimer: The co-author, Dr Anuradha Verma, is a weekly columnist of this site, bringing out the column “DATE WITH RTI” since 2008.