About Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla
Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla was established by the State Government of Himachal Pradesh in 2016 through Act 16 of 2016 and commenced operations on 5 October 2016. The University admits students through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) to its undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral programmes. Located amidst the Himalayan ranges, HPNLU is recognized for its commitment to interdisciplinary and application-based legal education, with a strong focus on legal scholarship, practice, and administration.
About the Legal Aid Clinic, HPNLU
The Legal Aid Clinic of HPNLU, Shimla is a socially driven initiative dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all, in line with Article 39A of the Constitution of India. The Clinic provides free legal aid, awareness, and community outreach programmes, and works closely with the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority. It aims to bridge the gap between law and society while nurturing socially responsible legal professionals.
Details About the Event / Opportunity
The Legal Aid Clinic, HPNLU Shimla is organizing a comprehensive two-day online workshop on the Right to Information (RTI). The workshop is designed to promote legal awareness and develop a practical understanding of the Right to Information Act, 2005 and its implementation.
Participants will gain in-depth exposure to:
- Conceptual foundations and institutional framework of the RTI Act, 2005
- Role of RTI in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation
- Procedure for filing RTI applications and first/second appeals
- Powers and functions of Information Commissions
- Privacy and RTI
- Landmark judicial developments
- Administrative challenges in RTI implementation
- Reform perspectives and the future of transparency in governance
The workshop combines expert lectures, interactive discussions, curated reading material, and practical insights to help participants understand the evolving importance of RTI in India’s democratic framework.
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the legal and practical dimensions of the RTI Act, 2005
- Use RTI as a tool for citizen empowerment
- Analyze landmark judgments and policy developments
- Navigate filing procedures and appeals
- Evaluate challenges and reform opportunities in the transparency regime
Modules Covered
- Understanding RTI: Concept & Framework
- RTI and Transparency in Governance
- Privacy and Right to Information
- Implementing RTI: Challenges and Way Forward
Distinguished Speakers
- Shailesh Gandhi, Former Central Information Commissioner, Government of India
- Uday Mahurkar, Former Central Information Commissioner, Government of India
- Rahul Singh, Former State Information Commissioner, Madhya Pradesh
- Nikhil Dey, Founder Member, Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) and National Campaign for People’s Right to Information
Who Is It For / Eligibility to Participate
The workshop is open to:
- Law students
- Research scholars
- Academicians
- Legal professionals
- Social activists
- Students and professionals from public administration, political science, journalism, and social sciences
- Any individual interested in transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance
No prior legal knowledge is required.
Mode of the Event
Online (Google Meet) with:
- Live weekend sessions
- Recorded lectures for later access
- Curated reading material and PPTs
- Networking opportunities
- Coordinator support for participant queries
Location & Venue
Online via Google Meet
Organized from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Registration / Submission Links & Procedure
Interested participants must fill out the online registration form.
Fee Details
- Registration Fee: Free
- Certificate of Participation: Optional and paid
Certificates & Benefits
Participants will receive:
- Access to session recordings
- Curated reading material and PPTs
- Mentorship with experts
- Certificates to merit
- Optional e-certificate / certificate of participation
Deadlines / Important Dates
- Workshop Dates: 30–31 May 2026 (Saturday–Sunday)
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM IST
- Sessions: Evening hours
- Registration: Open now
Contact Information
- Email: Lac@hpnlu.ac.in
- Phone: +91 8260176453
Alternate Contact:
- Email: legalaidclinic@nliu.ac.in
- Phone: +91 8287528580
