How do I file an RTI application?
Simple answer
Write your questions to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the government office, pay the fee (₹10 for Central Government offices) and submit it by post, in person or online. No reason is needed. The reply is due within 30 days, or 48 hours if someone's life or liberty is at stake.
Real-life examples
Gurpreet's ration card application has been pending for eight months. She files an RTI asking for the daily progress on her file and the names of the officers who handled it. The office must reply within 30 days.
Joseph files an RTI asking for his neighbour's income tax returns. The office refuses, because personal information about another person is exempt under Section 8(1)(j).
Ayesha sends an RTI to a private mobile company. RTI does not apply to private companies, but she can ask a government regulator for information it holds about them.
What should you do?
- 1Find the right government office and address your application to its Public Information Officer. Keep questions short and specific.
- 2Pay the fee — ₹10 for Central Government offices, by postal order, demand draft, cash against receipt, or online. BPL card holders pay nothing; attach a copy of the card.
- 3For Central ministries and departments, file online at rtionline.gov.in. For state offices, use your state's portal or send it by post.
- 4Keep the receipt or registration number and note the date — the 30 days count from when the office receives it.
- 5No reply in 30 days, or unhappy with it? File a first appeal within 30 days to the First Appellate Authority in the same office.
- 6Still not satisfied? File a second appeal within 90 days to the Central or State Information Commission.
Exceptions & limits
- Some information can be refused — for example, national security matters, cabinet papers, and personal information about other people (Section 8).
- RTI covers government bodies and bodies they own, control or substantially fund — not purely private companies.
- Many intelligence and security agencies are outside RTI, except for information about corruption or human rights violations.
Official legal reference
Right to Information Act, 2005 — Sections 6, 7
How to apply — in writing or electronically, no reason needed; reply within 30 days, or 48 hours where life or liberty is involved.
Right to Information Act, 2005 — Section 8
Lists information that can be withheld, such as national security matters and personal information.
Right to Information Act, 2005 — Section 19
First appeal within 30 days to a senior officer; second appeal within 90 days to the Information Commission.
Right to Information Act, 2005 — Section 20
The Information Commission can fine a PIO ₹250 per day of delay or wrongful refusal, up to ₹25,000.
Right to Information Rules, 2012 — Rules 3, 4
Central Government fee: ₹10 per application and ₹2 per page (A4 or A3) for copies.
Where to get help
Source & status
- Applies to
- Varies by state
- State government offices follow their own RTI rules, so fees, payment methods and copy charges differ. Many states have their own online RTI portals.
- Law in force since
- 12 Oct 2005
- Legal review
- Draft — awaiting lawyer review
Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.