Right to Information (RTI)
When you want to obtain information held by a public authority, track a pending application or scheme, or challenge government inaction
Your rights
5 rights, every one grounded in a specific statutory section.
Right to file an RTI application with any Central or State Public Authority — every citizen can request information in writing or electronically with a fee of Rs 10 (BPL applicants are exempt from fees).
RTI s. 6RTI Act 2005 s.6 — Request for obtaining information; fee Rs 10 for Central authorities; BPL exemptionRight to receive a reply within 30 days — the Public Information Officer (PIO) must respond within 30 days of receiving the application (48 hours if the request concerns life or liberty of a person).
RTI s. 7RTI Act 2005 s.7 — PIO shall reply within 30 days; 48 hours for life/liberty matters; transfer to correct PIO within 5 daysRight to information about yourself — the exemptions under s.8 cannot be used to deny information that concerns your personal life, liberty, or a public activity.
RTI s. 8RTI Act 2005 s.8 — Exemptions from disclosure; third-party confidential information, national security, cabinet notes, etc.Right to file a first appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) within 30 days if the PIO does not respond or the response is unsatisfactory — the FAA must decide within 30 days (extendable to 45 days for reasons recorded in writing).
RTI s. 19RTI Act 2005 s.19 — First appeal to FAA within 30 days; second appeal to Central/State Information CommissionRight to file a second appeal or complaint with the Central/State Information Commission (CIC/SIC) — the CIC/SIC can impose a penalty of Rs 250 per day (up to Rs 25,000) on the PIO for delay or wrongful denial.
RTI s. 20RTI Act 2005 s.20 — Penalty on PIO for failing to comply; Rs 250/day up to Rs 25,000; disciplinary action
Your duties
What you must do so the law is on your side.
Be specific in your application — clearly describe the information you seek. Vague applications are often rejected or delayed. You do not need to give reasons for the request.
Pay the applicable fee — Rs 10 application fee + additional charges for documents (Rs 2 per page). Provide proof of BPL status if claiming exemption.
RTI s. 6RTI Act 2005 s.6 — fee requirement; BPL exemptionFile appeals within time limits — first appeal within 30 days of the PIO's reply (or failure to reply); second appeal within 90 days of the FAA's order.
Do say
- ·“Under RTI Act 2005 s.6, I am requesting the following information: [describe precisely what you want].”
- ·“I am a BPL cardholder and enclose proof — I am entitled to fee exemption under RTI Act s.7(5).”
- ·“The 30-day reply deadline has passed without response — I am filing a first appeal under RTI Act s.19.”
- ·“The information relates to my life or liberty — I am entitled to a response within 48 hours under RTI Act s.7(1).”
- ·“I request the information in [Hindi/English/the local official language of the state].”
Do not say
- ·Do not ask for reasons or opinions — RTI covers existing records and documents, not predictions, opinions, or interpretations.
- ·Do not ask for information that would violate another person's privacy or national security — such requests may be rejected outright.
- ·Do not miss the 30-day (first appeal) or 90-day (second appeal) deadlines — there is no automatic condonation.
- ·Do not use RTI to obtain information you already have or to harass officials — misuse can lead to rejection and tarnishes the tool for genuine users.
Get a lawyer immediately if
- ·If the PIO does not respond within 30 days — file the first appeal immediately; the delay itself can attract a penalty on the PIO.
- ·If your RTI application is rejected citing vague "national security" or "third party" grounds — challenge this before the FAA; exemptions are not blanket.
- ·If you receive a threatening response or retaliation for filing RTI — document it and contact the Central/State Information Commission and a lawyer.
- ·If information concerning a minor or sensitive personal data is requested — ensure you have a legitimate interest; otherwise the PIO may lawfully refuse.
- ·If the information relates to life or liberty — demand a response within 48 hours and escalate immediately if refused; consult a lawyer.
Emergency contacts
National helplines available 24/7.
Statutory references
Every right and duty above is anchored in one of these.
- RTI s. 6How to file an RTI application; fee of Rs 10; BPL exemption
- RTI s. 7PIO's 30-day reply obligation; 48 hours for life/liberty
- RTI s. 8Exemptions from disclosure (national security, cabinet notes, etc.)
- RTI s. 19First appeal to FAA; second appeal to CIC/SIC
- RTI s. 20Penalty on PIO for delay or wrongful denial — Rs 250/day up to Rs 25,000
Need this in an emergency?
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Get the mobile app →Not legal advice. This guide is a citation-grounded reference, not a substitute for a lawyer. If your rights have been violated or you need to act on something specific, consult an advocate. We do not connect citizens to lawyers (BCI Rule 36 compliant).
Every right and duty above maps to a section of an Indian statute. We do not generate legal text — every quoted citation is sourced from BNS / BNSS / BSA / Constitution / the relevant special Act and verified before publication.