BCI Compliance Notice: This website provides legal information for educational and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice nor create an attorney-client relationship. Readers are strongly advised to consult a qualified legal professional for advice specific to their situation.
30 Days
Response Time Limit
45-60 Days
First Appeal Time
90 Days
Second Appeal Time
Understanding RTI (Right to Information)
The Right to Information Act, 2005 empowers citizens to seek information from any public authority. It promotes transparency and accountability in the working of the government. Any citizen can request information from a public authority which is required to reply within 30 days.
RTI Process Flowchart
First Appeal (if unsatisfied)
Key Features of RTI Act
- Applies to all public authorities (Central, State, Local)
- Citizens can seek any information (except exempted categories)
- Time-bound response within 30 days
- Penalty for non-compliance (₹250/day, max ₹25,000)
- Appeal mechanism up to CIC/SIC
Public Authorities Covered
- Central Government Ministries/Departments
- State Government Departments
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
- Municipal Corporations & Local Bodies
- Courts, Police, and Statutory Bodies
Step-by-Step RTI Filing Process
1
Identify Public Authority
Determine which department has the information
2
Draft RTI Application
Write clear, specific questions
3
Pay Application Fee
₹10 (varies by state)
4
Submit Application
Online or offline
5
Receive Information
Within 30 days
6
File Appeal (if needed)
First appeal within 30 days
Read Detailed RTI Application Format Guide
RTI Fees Structure
| Particulars | Central Government | State Governments (Varies) |
|---|
| Application Fee (General) | ₹10 | ₹10-₹50 |
| BPL Certificate Holders | Nil | Nil |
| Additional Fee per page (A4 size) | ₹2 per page | ₹2-₹10 per page |
| Inspection of Records (per hour) | ₹5 per hour | ₹10-₹50 per hour |
| CD/DVD/Flash Drive | ₹50 per media | ₹50-₹200 |
| Model Sample (physical) | ₹5 per sample | ₹5-₹20 |
Pro Tip: Pay fee via Indian Postal Order (IPO) or court fee stamp. For online RTI, payment can be made via net banking/card.
RTI Response Timeline
Important Timelines:
- Response within 30 days (48 hours for life/liberty matters)
- First appeal within 30 days of decision (or 30 days after deadline)
- First appeal decision within 30-45 days
- Second appeal within 90 days to CIC/SIC
What to Include in RTI Application
Applicant Details
- Full Name
- Complete Address (for postal response)
- Contact Number (optional)
- Email ID (for online response)
Information Request
- Clear and specific questions
- Time period for information
- Department/office name
- Reference numbers (if any)
Fee Payment Proof
- IPO / Court fee stamp
- Online payment receipt
- BPL certificate (if applicable)
Submission Proof
- Registered post receipt (if by post)
- Online submission reference number
- Acknowledgement receipt (if in-person)
Information Exempted from RTI (Section 8 & 9)
National security, sovereignty, and defense
Cabinet papers (decision-making process)
Court proceedings (contempt of court)
Personal information (unrelated to public interest)
Commercial confidence, trade secrets
Information forbidden by court/tribunal
Cabinet/executive council decisions
Information infringing copyright
Important: Even exempted information can be disclosed if public interest outweighs the harm (Section 8(2) of RTI Act).
First Appeal Process
If you do not receive a response within 30 days, or if you are unsatisfied with the information provided, you can file a First Appeal to the First Appellate Authority within the same public authority.
When to File First Appeal
- No response within 30 days
- Incomplete/incorrect information provided
- Information denied improperly
- Fees demanded incorrectly
Timeline for First Appeal
- File within 30 days of decision (or 30 days after deadline)
- Appellate authority responds within 30-45 days
- Can be extended by 45 days with reasons
Read Detailed First Appeal Process Guide
Second Appeal to CIC/SIC
If the First Appeal is rejected or not decided within the time limit, you can file a Second Appeal with the Central Information Commission (for Central authorities) or State Information Commission (for State authorities).
Central Information Commission (CIC)
- For Central Government departments
- Chief Information Commissioner appointed by President
- Headquarters in New Delhi
- Can impose penalties up to ₹25,000
State Information Commission (SIC)
- For State Government departments
- State Chief Information Commissioner appointed by Governor
- Located in state capitals
- Can direct disclosure of information
Read Detailed Second Appeal Process Guide
Grounds for Rejection of RTI Application
Vague or unclear questions
Information requested is exempted
Fee not paid properly
Applicant not a citizen of India
Harassment/frivolous application
Third party information without notice
Read Detailed Guide on Grounds for Rejection
Online RTI Filing Portals
rtionline.gov.in (Central & some States)
State-specific RTI portals
Email RTI (if accepted by authority)
Mobile apps (RTI Mithra, etc.)
Benefits of Online RTI: Faster processing, digital record, no postal delays, online payment, status tracking.
Penalties for PIO (Public Information Officer)
₹250 per day (delay beyond 30 days)
Maximum penalty: ₹25,000
Disciplinary action for persistent delay
Malafide denial can lead to departmental action
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who can file an RTI application?
Any citizen of India can file an RTI application. Non-citizens cannot file RTI. The application can be filed in English, Hindi, or the official language of the state.
Q2: Is there any fee for filing RTI?
Yes, ₹10 for Central Government authorities. BPL certificate holders are exempted. State governments have varying fees (₹10-₹50). Additional fees apply for obtaining documents.
Q3: How long does it take to get RTI response?
Normally 30 days from receipt of application. For life/liberty matters, 48 hours. For third party information, 40 days. For information regarding corruption/human rights violation, 45 days.
Q4: Can I file RTI online?
Yes, through https://rtionline.gov.in for Central Government authorities. Many states also have their own online RTI portals. Online filing is faster and provides digital acknowledgment.
Q5: What information cannot be given under RTI?
Section 8 of RTI Act lists exempted information - national security, cabinet papers, personal privacy, commercial confidence, etc. However, public interest override may apply.
Q6: What is the difference between First Appeal and Second Appeal?
First Appeal is filed within the same public authority before the First Appellate Authority. Second Appeal is filed with CIC/SIC (external authority) after First Appeal is rejected or not decided.
Q7: Can I get sample/physical model under RTI?
Yes, you can request inspection of records or obtain samples/models. Additional fees apply for sample inspection or physical copies.
Q8: What if the PIO does not respond within 30 days?
You can file First Appeal immediately after 30 days. The PIO is liable for penalty of ₹250 per day (max ₹25,000) imposed by CIC/SIC for delay without reasonable cause.
Legal Disclaimer (BCI Compliant):
Nyayaseva is an educational platform providing legal information for awareness purposes only. This guide does not constitute legal advice nor create an attorney-client relationship. RTI procedures and fees may vary by state. Always consult the official RTI portal or a legal professional for specific guidance.