Introduction:
The Right to Information Act, also known as RTI Act, is an important legislation that empowers citizens of India to seek information from public authorities. It is a key tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. The act was passed in the year 2005 and came into effect on October 12, 2005.

Explanation:
The Right to Information Act was passed by the Parliament of India on 15 June 2005. It received the President's assent on 15 June 2005 and came into effect on 12 October 2005. The Act is applicable to the whole of India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has its own laws on the subject.

Key Provisions of the Act:
The Right to Information Act has several key provisions that aim to promote transparency and accountability in governance. Some of the important provisions are:

1. Right to Information: The Act grants every citizen the right to access information held by public authorities. This includes information about government policies, decisions, and actions.

2. Obligation of Public Authorities: Public authorities are required to maintain records and provide information to citizens as per the Act. They are also required to proactively disclose certain types of information to the public.

3. Timely Response: Public authorities are required to respond to requests for information within a specified time frame, usually within 30 days. In certain cases, this time frame can be extended by another 30 days.

4. Fees and Exemptions: Public authorities are allowed to charge a nominal fee for providing information. However, there are certain categories of information that are exempt from disclosure, such as information that could harm national security or personal privacy.

5. Appellate Mechanism: The Act establishes a three-tier appellate mechanism to address grievances and disputes related to the right to information. This includes the first appellate authority, the second appellate authority (State Information Commission), and the third appellate authority (Central Information Commission).

Conclusion:
The Right to Information Act was passed in 2005 to empower citizens with the right to seek information from public authorities. It has played a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in India. The Act has been instrumental in enabling citizens to exercise their right to information and hold public authorities accountable for their actions.