RIGHT TO INFORMATION

Surendranath Law College, formerly known as Ripon College, is one of Kolkata’s oldest and most respected law institutions. Established in 1885 by the eminent educationist and nationalist Surendranath Banerjee, it remains a premier centre for legal education under the University of Calcutta.

The College traces its roots to the Presidency School, which Surendranath Banerjee elevated to collegiate status in 1884 as “The Presidency Institution.” Within a year, it was renamed Ripon College in honour of British Viceroy George Robinson, 1st Marquess of Ripon. Over a period of time, its law department evolved into the independent Surendranath Law College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta.

The College offers undergraduate and postgraduate legal education, including B.A.LL.B., B.A.LL.B. Hons. and LL.M. programs. Its five-year integrated B.A.LL.B. course is recognised for combining rigorous academic training with exposure to social justice and constitutional principles. The curriculum aligns with national legal education standards set by the Bar Council of India

The Right to Information Act, 2005 is a landmark legislation enacted by the Government of India to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities. The Act empowers every citizen to seek and obtain information from public authorities, thereby strengthening democratic governance and helping to curb corruption. It recognizes that an informed citizenry is essential for the proper functioning of a democracy and ensures that information held by public institutions is accessible to the public, subject to certain exemptions. Under the Act, every citizen has the right to request information, and such information is required to be provided within a prescribed time frame, generally within thirty days from the date of application. Public authorities are mandated to appoint Public Information Officers (PIOs) to receive and process RTI applications and to assist applicants in obtaining the requested information. The Act also requires institutions to proactively disclose key details about their organization, functions, duties, rules, regulations, and financial information so that citizens can access essential information without necessarily filing formal requests.

In addition, the Act provides a structured mechanism for appeals in cases where information is denied or not furnished within the stipulated time. Applicants may approach the designated Appellate Authority within the institution, and further remedies are available before the Information Commissions. Importantly, an applicant is not required to provide any reason for seeking information, thereby reinforcing the principle of open access.

However, the Act also specifies certain exemptions from disclosure, including information that may affect national security, breach confidentiality or fiduciary relationships, violate privacy, or be expressly prohibited by a court of law. These exemptions are intended to balance transparency with other legitimate public interests.

As a government-aided institution affiliated with the University of Calcutta, Surendranath Law College, is committed to complying with the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005 by maintaining proper records, ensuring proactive disclosure of information, and facilitating access to information through designated officers.

Details of the State Public Information Officer (SPIO), Appellate Authority, and contact information for submitting RTI applications shall be provided and updated from time to time on the College Website.