How to File an RTI Application

Where to Send Your RTI?

Identify the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the department that holds the information you need. Every government department is required to designate a PIO and display their details. If unsure, address it to the department head — they are legally obligated to forward it to the correct PIO (Section 6(3) — transfer within 5 days).

How to Write an Effective RTI

Write on plain paper (no special format required). Include:

• To: The Public Information Officer, [Department Name], [Address]
• Subject: Application under Right to Information Act, 2005
• Your Details: Name, address, phone number
• Questions: Numbered, specific questions
• Fee: Mode of payment details

Tips for effective drafting:

• Ask for documents not opinions — "Please provide copy of order dated..." is better than "Why was this decision taken?"
• One department per application — don't mix departments
• Number your questions — makes tracking easier
• Be specific — include dates, file numbers, names where known
• Never give reasons — Section 6(2) says you don't need to

Payment Methods

• Central Government (₹10): Indian Postal Order, Demand Draft, Banker's Cheque, or cash (if in person)
• Haryana State (₹50): Non-judicial stamp paper, DD, or as prescribed by state rules
• Online: Through rtionline.gov.in (Central) or state portal — payment via debit/credit card, UPI, net banking
• BPL: No fee. Attach copy of BPL certificate/ration card

Three Ways to Submit

• By Post: Speed Post or Registered Post (keep receipt). Address to PIO of the department
• In Person: Submit at the department's reception/RTI counter. Get acknowledgment stamp on your copy
• Online: rtionline.gov.in (Central) or respective state RTI portal. Download acknowledgment

Note the date of submission — the 30-day response period starts from this date.

What to Expect

• 30 days: Normal cases
• 48 hours: Information concerning life or liberty of a person
• If transferred: 30 days from date of transfer (5 days for transfer + 30 days for response)
• Third party info: 40 days (10 extra days for third party objections)

PIO may ask for additional fees for photocopies. Pay within 30 days of demand. The response clock pauses until you pay.

When & How to File First Appeal

When: Within 30 days of receiving response (or 30 days after response was due if no response received)

To Whom: Officer senior in rank to PIO within the same department (First Appellate Authority)

Fee: No fee for First Appeal

Include: Copy of original RTI application, copy of PIO's response (or note that no response was received), grounds of appeal

Decision: Within 30–45 days

The Most Powerful Step

When: Within 90 days of First Appeal order (or 90 days after First Appeal was due if no order)

To Whom: State Information Commission (for state departments) or Central Information Commission (for central departments)

Key Power: Under Section 19(5), the burden of proof shifts to the PIO — they must prove why information was denied

Penalty: Commission can impose ₹250/day up to ₹25,000 on the PIO under Section 20 + recommend disciplinary action