accountability in the working of every public authority. Section 3 of the Act confers right to information to all citizens and a corresponding obligation under Section 4on every public authority to maintain the records so that the information sought for can be provided. Oral and verbal instructions, if not recorded, could not be provided. By acting on oral directions, not recording the same, the rights guaranteed to the citizens under the Right to Information Act, could be defeated. The practice of giving oral directions/instructions by the administrative superiors, political executive etc. would defeat the object and purpose of RTI Act and would give room for favoritism and corruption.
35. We, therefore, direct all the State Governments and Union Territories to issue directions like Rule 3(3) of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, in their respective States and Union Territories which will be carried out within three months from today.
36. The Writ Petitions are, accordingly, disposed of with the above directions.
