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How to File an RTI Application

You want to obtain information from a government department or public authority using the Right to Information Act.

Do this now
  1. 01Identify the correct public authority that holds the information
  2. 02Write a clear, specific RTI application addressed to the PIO (Public Information Officer)
  3. 03Pay Rs. 10 fee (by postal order, DD, or online for central government on rtionline.gov.in)
  4. 04Send by post (registered/speed post) or submit online
  5. 05Keep a copy of the application and postal receipt
  6. 06If no response in 30 days, file First Appeal to the Appellate Authority
  7. 07If First Appeal fails, file Second Appeal to the Information Commission
Evidence to collect
  1. Copy of RTI application filed
  2. Postal receipt or online submission acknowledgement
  3. Response received from the PIO (if any)
  4. First Appeal application and response
  5. Any communication from the public authority
  6. Proof of fee payment
Documents you need
  1. RTI application (written in English/Hindi/official state language)
  2. Fee payment proof (Rs. 10 for central, varies for state)
  3. ID proof (not mandatory but helpful)
  4. First Appeal application (if filing appeal)
  5. Second Appeal application to Information Commission
  6. Copy of original application and previous responses
Where to complain
  1. Public Information Officer (PIO) — Of the concerned department
  2. RTI Online Portal — rtionline.gov.in (for central government)
  3. First Appellate Authority — Senior officer in the same department
  4. Central Information Commission — For central government RTIs
  5. State Information Commission — For state government RTIs
  6. High Court — Writ petition if Information Commission fails
Laws that apply
  1. Right to Information Act — Section 6 (Application for obtaining information)
  2. Right to Information Act — Section 7 (Disposal of request — 30 days)
  3. Right to Information Act — Section 8 (Exemptions from disclosure)
  4. Right to Information Act — Section 19 (First and Second Appeal)
  5. Right to Information Act — Section 20 (Penalties for non-compliance)
Understanding the issue

The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives every citizen the right to request information from any public authority. The authority must respond within 30 days (48 hours in matters involving life and liberty). RTI can be filed with any government department — central, state, or local body. The fee is just Rs. 10 for central departments. If the response is unsatisfactory, you can file a first appeal to the appellate authority and then a second appeal to the Central/State Information Commission.

When to see a lawyer

RTI applications usually do not require a lawyer. However, consult one if you are filing on sensitive matters, if the department is threatening you, or if you need to approach the High Court.