The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, empowers Indian citizens to seek information from government authorities to ensure transparency and accountability. The law allows individuals to request details about government decisions, policies, expenditures, and other public matters. Every government office, public sector unit, and authority receiving public funds is bound to provide information under this Act, unless the information falls under the exemptions specified in Section 8 and Section 9 of the Act.
RTI filing helps individuals in multiple ways, including:
• Ensuring government accountability and transparency.
• Seeking information related to public services, such as ration cards, pensions, and road construction.
• Checking the status of personal applications like passports, driving licenses, or property records.
• Investigating corruption and misuse of public funds.
• Requesting reasons for government decisions affecting individuals or the public.
• Any Indian citizen can file an RTI application.
• RTI can be filed individually or jointly.
• There is no restriction on age, gender, or profession for filing an RTI.
1. Identifying the Relevant Public Authority
• The RTI application must be addressed to the correct department or authority responsible for the required information.
• Public authorities include government ministries, municipal corporations, public sector undertakings, and government-funded organizations.
2. Drafting the RTI Application
• The application should be written in English, Hindi, or the official language of the concerned state.
• It must clearly mention:
o The applicant’s full name, address, and contact details.
o A specific description of the information required.
o The correct Public Information Officer (PIO) or Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) handling RTI queries.
3. Paying the RTI Application Fee
• The RTI Act mandates a nominal application fee of ₹10, payable via:
o Demand Draft (DD)
o Indian Postal Order (IPO)
o Online payment (for e-RTI)
o Cash (in some departments)
• Additional charges apply for photocopies, printed documents, or CDs.
4. Submitting the RTI Application
• RTI applications can be submitted via:
o Physical Submission – Sent through registered post or delivered in person to the respective office.
o Online Filing – Many central and state government departments accept RTI applications online through the RTI Online Portal (rtionline.gov.in).
o E-mail (where applicable) – Some departments allow RTI applications via email.
5. Receiving a Response
• The authority must respond within 30 days from the date of receipt of the application.
• If the information concerns life or liberty, the response must be provided within 48 hours.
• If the request is rejected, the PIO must provide reasons for denial.
RTI requests can be denied under Section 8 and Section 9 of the Act if:
• The information affects national security or sovereignty.
• It relates to personal data with no public interest.
• It disrupts the country’s foreign relations.
• It involves trade secrets, confidential investigations, or parliamentary privileges.
• It breaches court orders.
If the information is denied or not received within the stipulated time, the applicant can:
1. File a First Appeal – With the First Appellate Authority (FAA) within 30 days of receiving the decision.
2. File a Second Appeal – With the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commission (SIC) within 90 days if the first appeal does not yield results.
3. Lodge a Complaint – Directly with the CIC/SIC if the PIO refuses to accept the RTI application.
Vakil360 provides expert assistance in RTI filing and appeals. Our services include:
• Drafting and Submitting RTI Applications – Ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
• Identifying the Correct Public Authority – Addressing the application to the appropriate government department.
• Online and Offline RTI Filing Support – Helping individuals file RTI applications conveniently.
• RTI Appeal Process Guidance – Assisting in filing first and second appeals in case of non-compliance.
• Follow-up with Government Authorities – Ensuring timely responses and necessary actions.
