The Freedom of Information Bill, 2012
Right to information
26. (1) Every citizen has a legally enforceable right to access
information held by, or under the control of, a public authority, in
accordance with this Act.
(2) Subject to this Act, every citizen has the right to access
information held by, or under the control of a private body where that
information is necessary for the enforcement or protection of any
right.
(3) Subject to this Act, a person’s right to access information is not
affected by (a) any reason the person gives for seeking access as the right
to access of information is independent of a person’s
interest; or
(b) the public authority’s belief as to what are his reasons for
seeking access
(4) A person has the right to access information of a public body or
private body expeditiously and inexpensively;
(5) A person has a right of access to information generated, received
and or held by public bodies, subject only to such limitations as
are necessary for public interest;
(6) this Act shall be interpreted and applied on the basis of a duty to
disclose. Non disclosure shall be permitted only in exceptionally
justifiable circumstances;
(7) A public body or private body shall accede to the authority of the
Commission in all matters relating to access to information;
(8) any refusal to disclose information shall be subject to appeal;
(9) A public body or
information;
private body shall proactively publish
(10) A person shall not be subject to any sanction for releasing
information under this Act in good faith.
(11) This Act applies to the exclusion of any law that prohibits the
disclosure of information of a public body or a private body.
(12) Nothing in this Act shall limit or otherwise restrict any other
legislative requirement for a public body, relevant private body or
a private body to disclose information.
(13) The right of access to information includes_
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