RTI Online Application & RTI Appeal

Identify the public authority likely to hold the record and specify the documents, dates and period you need. The Right to Information Act 2005 is available to Indian citizens for access to existing information held by or under the control of public authorities, subject to statutory exemptions.

A central application ordinarily carries a ₹10 fee and the usual reply period is 30 days from receipt by the Public Information Officer, with special rules for transfers, third-party matters and other situations. Information concerning life or liberty must ordinarily be provided within 48 hours. RTI does not require an authority to create answers, give fresh legal advice or resolve your grievance.

LawLine connects users to independent Bar Council-enrolled advocates and does not itself practise law. Bar Council of India Rule 36 prohibits advocate advertising. You can file RTI yourself; professional assistance is optional and cannot guarantee disclosure of exempt or unavailable records.

RTI can help you obtain recorded reasons, file notings, inspection reports, expenditure details or the status documents behind government action. It is not a substitute for a grievance complaint, appeal against a decision or request that an official create a fresh explanation. Ask for identifiable existing records and a manageable period. You do not need to state why you want the information. Only citizens have the statutory right, and disclosure remains subject to exemptions, severability and other requirements of the RTI Act.

Choose the public authority that holds the records, rather than sending the same broad request to many offices. The central RTI Online portal serves participating central public authorities; state authorities may use their own portals or physical filing procedures. A private organisation is not automatically directly covered merely because it serves customers, although information accessible to a public authority under another law may fall within RTI. If you need help with disability access, drafting or an appeal, ask the authority or Legal Services Authority.

Keep the application, fee receipt, registration number and any postal proof. Track the applicable deadline, including any lawful additional time for transfer, third-party procedure or other statutory circumstances. If further copying charges are requested, review the calculation and instructions promptly. Under the Act, information is generally free when the public authority fails to meet the applicable time limit, subject to the statutory framework; raise the point if charges are disputed.

Compare the response with each numbered request and identify missing records, unsupported exemptions or incomplete answers. File a reasoned first appeal when appropriate, attaching the application and reply or evidence of non-response. A second appeal goes to the CIC or relevant State Information Commission. A section 18 complaint serves a different function and is not always a substitute for the appeal route to obtain information. Keep using the proper grievance process for the underlying problem.