सूचना का अधिकार — पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही
The Right to Information Act, 2005 (सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम, 2005) is a landmark legislation that empowers every citizen of India to access information held by public authorities. It promotes transparency and accountability in government by creating a legal framework for citizens to question, examine, and audit government actions.
On plain paper, address it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department. Include your name, address, specific information sought, and preferred mode of response. No specific format is required.
₹10 for Central Government, ₹50 for Haryana State by non-judicial stamp paper, demand draft, or postal order. BPL card holders are fully exempt.
By post (registered/speed post recommended), in person at the department, or online through rtionline.gov.in (Central) or state RTI portal.
The PIO must provide information within 30 days. If not, it is deemed refusal. Keep your postal receipt and acknowledgment.
If refused or no response: First Appeal within 30 days to First Appellate Authority (no fee). If still unresolved: Second Appeal within 90 days to State/Central Information Commission.
| Authority | Application Fee | Per Page Copy | CD/Disc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Government | ₹10 | ₹2/page | ₹50 |
| Haryana State | ₹50 | ₹2/page | ₹50 |
| BPL Citizens | Fully Exempt | Fully Exempt | Fully Exempt |
Application submitted to PIO with prescribed fee
PIO must respond. Non-response = deemed refusal
File before First Appellate Authority (senior to PIO). No fee. Decision within 30-45 days
File before State/Central Information Commission. Commission can impose penalties on PIO under Section 20
Certain information is exempt from disclosure under Section 8(1), including national security matters, information prohibited by courts, cabinet papers, commercial confidence, and personal information unrelated to public activity. However, the public interest override applies — if public interest in disclosure outweighs the harm, information must be provided. Information about corruption and human rights violations can never be withheld.
Penalty: ₹250 per day of delay, maximum ₹25,000 + recommendation for disciplinary action
Advocate Ravinder Singh Dhull is one of India's most prolific RTI activists. With over 3,000 RTI applications filed across various Haryana government departments, our RTI practice provides end-to-end assistance — from drafting precise applications to pursuing Second Appeals before the State Information Commission. Our RTI evidence has formed the foundation of numerous PIL and writ petitions.
From drafting precise RTI applications to appearing before the Information Commission — get expert assistance.