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Right to Information (RTI)
How to file an RTI application, what information you can demand, what is exempt, and what to do if your PIO refuses or delays.
Governing law: Right to Information Act, 2005 (Act 22 of 2005)
The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen the right to request information held by any Central or State public authority. A Public Information Officer (PIO) must respond within 30 days — or 48 hours if the matter concerns life or liberty. If the PIO refuses, delays, or gives an inadequate reply, you can escalate through a First Appeal (to the First Appellate Authority within 30 days) and a Second Appeal (to the Central Information Commission or your State Information Commission within 90 days of the FAA decision). The fee is Rs. 10 for Central government bodies; BPL cardholders are exempt under Section 7(5). Below Poverty Line exemption, First and Second Appeals, and all related documents can be generated using our RTI Application Generator tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file an RTI application?
Any citizen of India can file an RTI application. There is no age restriction. NRIs can also file. Companies and trusts cannot file — only natural persons.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 3
Who can file an RTI application?
Any citizen of India can file an RTI application. There is no age restriction. NRIs can also file. Companies and trusts cannot file — only natural persons.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 3
What is the fee and how do I pay it?
Rs. 10 for Central government bodies, payable by Indian Postal Order, demand draft, court fee stamp, or cash. Most states also charge Rs. 10. BPL cardholders are fully exempt — attach a copy of your BPL card. First and Second Appeals are free.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 7(5)
What is the fee and how do I pay it?
Rs. 10 for Central government bodies, payable by Indian Postal Order, demand draft, court fee stamp, or cash. Most states also charge Rs. 10. BPL cardholders are fully exempt — attach a copy of your BPL card. First and Second Appeals are free.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 7(5)
What information is exempt from disclosure?
Information that could harm national security, sovereignty, strategic interests, or cabinet deliberations is exempt (Section 8). Personal information with no public interest is also exempt. But even exempt information can be disclosed if the public interest outweighs the harm. Information about corruption or human rights violations cannot be claimed as exempt.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 8
What information is exempt from disclosure?
Information that could harm national security, sovereignty, strategic interests, or cabinet deliberations is exempt (Section 8). Personal information with no public interest is also exempt. But even exempt information can be disclosed if the public interest outweighs the harm. Information about corruption or human rights violations cannot be claimed as exempt.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 8
What if the PIO does not reply within 30 days?
Silence is deemed refusal. You can file a First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority (a senior officer in the same department) within 30 days from the date the reply was due. If the FAA also fails or refuses within 30-45 days, you can file a Second Appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or your State Information Commission (SIC) within 90 days.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Sections 19(1), 19(3)
What if the PIO does not reply within 30 days?
Silence is deemed refusal. You can file a First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority (a senior officer in the same department) within 30 days from the date the reply was due. If the FAA also fails or refuses within 30-45 days, you can file a Second Appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or your State Information Commission (SIC) within 90 days.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Sections 19(1), 19(3)
Can the PIO be penalised for delay or refusal?
Yes. The CIC or SIC can impose a penalty of Rs. 250 per day of delay on the defaulting PIO, up to a maximum of Rs. 25,000 (Section 20). The Commission can also recommend disciplinary proceedings and award compensation to the applicant for loss or detriment under Section 19(8)(b).
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 20
Can the PIO be penalised for delay or refusal?
Yes. The CIC or SIC can impose a penalty of Rs. 250 per day of delay on the defaulting PIO, up to a maximum of Rs. 25,000 (Section 20). The Commission can also recommend disciplinary proceedings and award compensation to the applicant for loss or detriment under Section 19(8)(b).
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 20
Can I file an RTI online?
For Central government bodies, yes. Through the RTI Online Portal (rtionline.gov.in). Several states also have online portals. You can pay fees online. Physical applications are still accepted.
Source: RTI Act 2005
Can I file an RTI online?
For Central government bodies, yes. Through the RTI Online Portal (rtionline.gov.in). Several states also have online portals. You can pay fees online. Physical applications are still accepted.
Source: RTI Act 2005
Can an RTI be used to get documents about my own case?
Yes. You can request copies of any document held by a public authority that relates to you — your job application, case file, land records, and so on. RTI is widely used to access government files that would otherwise take months to surface.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 6
Can an RTI be used to get documents about my own case?
Yes. You can request copies of any document held by a public authority that relates to you — your job application, case file, land records, and so on. RTI is widely used to access government files that would otherwise take months to surface.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 6
What language can I file the RTI in?
Hindi, English, or the official language of the area where the public authority is located. You do not need a lawyer to file an RTI.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 6(1)
What language can I file the RTI in?
Hindi, English, or the official language of the area where the public authority is located. You do not need a lawyer to file an RTI.
Source: RTI Act 2005, Section 6(1)
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