Draft:RTI Application
The term "RTI" stands for Right to Information. It is a fundamental right of citizens to seek information from government offices, departments, ministers, the judiciary and all the organisations run by the government of India, or any other organisation substantially aided by the government of India or any other state government.
An RTI Application (Right to Information Application) is a formal written request made by any citizen of India to the designated Public Information Officer (PIO) of a public authority, seeking specific information held by that authority under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act). The RTI Act aims to promote transparency and accountability in government and to ensure that citizens have access to information.
Official Definition of 'RTI Application'
The definition for RTI Application can be inferred from Section 2(j) of the RTI Act, 2005, which defines “right to information” as the right to information accessible under this Act which is held by or under the control of any public authority and includes the right to-
(i) inspection of work, documents, records;
(ii) taking notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records;
(iii) taking certified samples of material;
(iv) obtaining information in the form of diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes or in any
other electronic mode or through printouts where such information is stored in a computer or in
any other device;
Relevant Provisions relating to RTI Application
Section 2(c) and Section 2(m): Designated Officer
All RTI applications must be addressed to an officer designated by the respective public authority. This can either be the Central Public Information Officer [S. 2(c)] or the State Public Information Officer [S. 2(m)].
Section 2(m) refers to the State Public Information Officer designated under sub-section (1) and includes a State Assistant Public Information Officer designated as such under S. 5 (2).
Section 6: Procedure
Medium: A request for information can be made in writing or electronically in English, Hindi, or the local language. The request must include any prescribed fee. [S. 6(1)]
No need to provide a reason: The applicant does not need to provide a reason for the request or any other personal details, except for what's needed to contact them. [S. 6(2)]
Transferring applications: If the request is for information held by another public authority, or if the subject matter is related to another public authority, the application must be transferred to that authority. The transfer must be made as soon as possible, but no later than five days after receiving the application. [S. 6(3)]
Assistance with requests: As per Section 6 (1)(b), if a request cannot be made in writing, the public information officer must provide reasonable assistance to help the applicant put the request in writing.
Section 7: Time Period for Supply of Information
In normal course, information to an applicant shall be supplied within 30 days from the receipt of the application by the public authority. If information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, it shall be supplied within 48 hours. In case the application is sent through the Assistant Public Information Officer or it is sent to a wrong public authority, five days shall be added to the period of 30 days. (Sec. 7(1) of the RTI Act, 2005 ).
Section 8: Exemption From Disclosure
Public Authorities are exempted from the obligation to disclose certain kinds of information. Section 8 (1) of the RTI Act, 2005, lists at least different instances of such information. This includes information that could harm national security and sovereignty, the competitive interests of third parties, cause a breach of privilege of the parliament/state legislature,etc. Personal information that has no public interest and information related to the investigation of offences are also exempted.
Girish Mittal Vs Ministry of Railways
Section 27: Power to make rules by Appropriate Government:
The Right to Information Act, 2005, gives the appropriate government the power to make rules to carry out the provisions of the act. The appropriate government can make rules pertaining to the following by notification in the Official Gazette: 1. the term of office for the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners. 2. The salaries and allowances for the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners 3. The fees payable under the Act.
Rule 3: Application Fees
Rule 3 of the Right to Information Rules, 2012, provides for the application fee. An application under sub-section (1) of Section 6 of the Act shall be accompanied by a fee of ten rupees and shall ordinarily not contain more than five hundred words, excluding annexures, and contain the addresses of the Central Public Information Officer and that of the applicant. Provided that no application shall be rejected only on the ground that it contains more than five hundred words.
Who can file an RTI application ?Any Indian citizen can file an RTI Application to seek information from government departments, ministers,and other organizations.
What is the medium to file an RTI Application ?
An RTI Application can be filed online, by post, or through the RTI Portal gateway. Proof of the applicant's citizenship isn't usually required with the application, however, the Public Information Officer (PIO) may ask for proof. It can be addressed in English, Hindi, or the local language. The prescribed fees must be attached along with the document.
Fee Structure (Central Government Rules)
| Stage | Fee (As per Central Rules) |
|---|---|
| Application fee (Sec. 6 (1)) | Rs. 10 (in cash, demand draft, banker's cheque, or Indian Postal Order) |
| Photocopy of records (Sec. 7) | Rs. 2 (per A4 or A3 page) |
| Larger-format copies/samples | Actual cost |
| Inspection of records | No fee for first hour; Rs. 5 (per subsequent hour or part thereof) |
| BPL applicants | Fully exempted under Sec. 7(5) |
States Rules under Sections 27/28 vary this schedule; several state and court fee schedules diverge considerably. For instance, certain High Courts have been reported to charge on a per-question basisrunning well above the Central Rs. 10 norm.
Format of filing an RTI Application:
There is no prescribed format of application for seeking information. The application can be made on plain paper. The application should, however, have the name and complete postal address of the applicant.
Fees for RTI Application:
As per Section 28 (2), the competent authority may frame rules pertaining to the price of filing an application. Rs.10 with application and compensation for BPL (Below poverty line) card holders; they have no need to pay the payment.
Right To Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005
Complaint to Central Information Commission/ State Information Commission:
Section 18(1) of the RTI Act outlines the following grounds on which a complaint can be filed with the Central or State Information Commission:
1. Inability to Submit a Request: A complaint can be made if a person cannot submit an RTI request due to the absence of a designated officer or if an assistant officer refuses to accept the application.
2. Refusal of Access: Individuals can complain if they are denied access to the information they requested.
3. Lack of Timely Response: If there is no response to a request for information within the specified time frame, a complaint may be filed.
4. Unreasonable Fees: Complaints can be made regarding fees that are considered unreasonable.
5. Incomplete or Misleading Information: If a person believes they have received incomplete, misleading, or false information, they can file a complaint.
6. Other Related Matters: Complaints can also relate to any other issues regarding the request or access to records.
Inquiry Process
If the Commission finds reasonable grounds, it can initiate an inquiry, exercising civil court powers, such as summoning witnesses and requiring document production, to carry out an inquiry. The Commission can examine any relevant records under the control of public authorities, and these records cannot be withheld during the inquiry. This section aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the process of accessing information under the RTI Act.
Complaint | Central Information Commission
Penalty to the PIO when delay edor refuseddto give a reply o the citizen:
After a specific time limit, every PIO will be liable for a fine of Rs. 250 per day, up to a maximum of Rs. 25,000/- for failure or delaying information without reasonable cause.
ANONYMOUS APPLICATION:
In 2013, the Calcutta High Court ruled[1] that individuals can submit Right to Information (RTI) petitions using only a post box number, without needing to provide their name and address. This landmark decision, issued by Acting Chief Justice Ashim Kumar Banerjee and Justice Debangsu Basak, is intended to enhance the protection of whistle-blowers and RTI activists in West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The ruling addresses significant safety concerns for RTI activists, who have faced harassment and violence for seeking information. Over the past six years, approximately 150 activists have been targeted, with 24 killed, 52 assaulted, and 74 harassed. Goenka, who filed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), argued that the ability to remain anonymous through a post box number could help safeguard activists from retaliation, enabling them to expose corruption without fear.
While this ruling currently applies only in West Bengal, it may influence other states, although it isn't binding outside the jurisdiction. The decision reflects a growing recognition of the risks faced by RTI activists and the need for stronger protections, a sentiment echoed by Parliament in previous discussions about safeguarding such individuals.
Types of RTI Application:
By mode of filing:
- Physical/Postal application – a written letter delivered or posted to the PIO.
- Online application – applications are filed through the RTI Online Portal (for central ministries or departments) or state/court-specific e-filling systems.
- Application via electronic means – applications are emailed directly to a PIO, permitted under Sec. 6(1).
By procedural stage:
- Original application under Sec. 6 – the initial request to the PIO.
- First appeal under Sec. 19(1) – filed with the departmental Appellate Authority within 30 days of a refusal, non-response, or unsatisfactory reply.
- Second appeal under Sec. 19(3) – filed within 90 days of the first Appellate order (or its lapse) to the Central or State Information Commission.
- Complaint under Sec. 18 – it is not an appeal but a distinct track for grievances such as inability to file an application, a PIO's refusal to receive it, or issues regarding unreasonable fees, taken directly to the Information Commission.
By applicant category:
- General applicant – they are fee-paying applicants under Rule 3 of the RTI Rules.
- BPL applicant – fee is exempted under Sec. 7(5) subject to producing a valid BPL certificate.
Regional and Institutional variation
The central Act (RTI Act) provides a consistent application procedure, whereas execution varies by public authorities. Fee schedules may also differ between central and state/court rules, with few exceptions.
Guidelines for RTI Applicants:
Common guidelines for applicants:
Eligibility: Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and that the information they provide is correct.
Application form: Applicants should read the advertisement carefully and follow all instructions. They should also re-check their application and upload documents before submitting.
Documents: Applicants may need to provide certificates, such as a consent certificate from a parent or legal guardian.
Photographs: Applicants may need to upload a passport-sized photograph with a white background. The photograph should clearly show the applicant's face and cover about 75% of the image.
Signatures: Applicants may need to upload a scanned signature on a white paper. The signature should be clear and within a box that is 6 x 3 cm in size.
Language: Applicants may be able to write in Hindi, English, or another language they can read and write in.
Past service: Applicants may need to provide details of any past service they have.
Present occupation: Applicants may need to provide details of their current occupation.
Experience: Applicants may need to provide details of any relevant experience they have.
Consent: Applicants may need to provide a consent certificate from a parent or legal guardian if they are under 18 years of age.
Appeals
Any person who does not receive a decision within the time specified in Section 7(1), or is aggrieved by a decision of the Central PIO or the State PIO can file an appeal to an officer of greater seniority to the aforementioned officers in the respective public authority. It must be filed within 30 days of expiry of such a period.
Types of Appeals
First Appeal
First Appeal is the statutory remedy available to the RTI Applicant, when there is no response from the Public Information Officer within the stipulated time limit or the decision of the PIO is not satisfactory or the PIO offered / supplied incorrect / misleading information or demanded an exorbitant further fee, etc. The First Appeal is required to be filed under Section-19(1) of the RTI Act.
When to file First appeal:
If the applicant doesn't receive a response from the PIO within the specified time limit, or if the PIO's decision is not satisfactory.
Fees required :
No fee is required for a first appeal.
Where to file First appeal :
Submit the first appeal form online at https://rtionline.gov.in/
How to Check Status of the Appeal :
Applicants can check the status of their first appeal online by clicking on View Status
What is the time limit for RTI first appeal?
Such an appeal, should be filed within a period of 30 days from the date on which the limit of 30 days of supply of information is expired or from the date on which the information or decision of the Public Information Officer is received.
As defined in Case Laws
Anonymous RTI applications using post box number valid, says Calcutta High Court
Format/Form of First appeal:
Here are some case laws related to first appeals:
B.V. Nagesh and Anr. Vs. H.V. Sreenivasa Murthy: (2010) 13 SCC 530 case law pdf
H. Siddiqui (Dead) by LRs. Vs. A. Ramalingam: (2011) 4 SCC 240 • case law pdf
State Bank of India and Anr. Vs. Emmons International Limited and Anr. (2011) 12 SCC 174 case law pdf
The first appeal is a valuable right that allows parties to be heard on questions of law and fact. The first appellate court must address all issues and decide the case by giving reasons.
Second Appeal:
How to file a second Appeal under RTI
Anybody who is unhappy or dissatisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority can file a Second Appeal to the Information Commission at the Centre or respective States. You need to send your appeal to the relevant Information Commission in writing.
For issues related to Central Government public authorities, you need to send your appeal to the Central Information Commission. For matters related to State Government public authorities, send your appeal to the concerned State Information Commission.
Time Period:
Second appeal under the Right to Information (RTI) Act can be filed with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the State Information Commission within 90 days of receiving the First Appellate Authority's decision. If the First Appellate Authority doesn't respond within 45 days of the First Appeal being filed, the second appeal can be filed within 90 days of the 45-day period ending.
Condonation of Delay:
If a Second Appeal is filed after 90 days from the date on which first Appellate Authority’s decision was received by the appellant, the Commission may admit the Second Appeal if satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing the Second Appeal.
Guidelines to fill Second Appeal :
A second appeal against the decision of the First Appellate Authority may be filed before this Commission within 90 (ninety) days from the date o. n which the decision should have been made by the FAA or was actually received.
Following documents are to be submitted along with a second appeal :
- A copy of the application submitted to the Central Public Information Officer.
- A copy of the reply received, if any, from the Central Public Information Officer.
- A copy of the appeal made to the First Appellate Authority.
- A copy of the Order received, if any, from the First Appellate Authority.
- copies of other documents relied upon by the appellant and referred to in his appeal; An index of the documents referred to in the appeal.
Format/Form of second appeal :
Here are some important case laws related to second appeals:
Kiran Singh And Others vs Chaman Paswan And Others on 14 April, 1954 Kiran Singh vs Chaman Paswan on 14 April 1954
Hero Vinoth (Minor) vs Seshammal on 8 May, 2006 Hero Vinoth vs Seshammal on 8 may 2006
OPTIONS AFTER SECOND APPEAL:
Mandamus Writ
A writ of mandamus can be filed in the Supreme Court or the respective High Court under Article 32 and Article 226 of the Indian Constitution, where the Central PIO commands the PIO to reply to the RTI or be liable for a penalty. The writ of mandamus is essentially a command issued by the court to a public official asking him/her to perform his/her official duties that he/she has failed or refused to perform.
Penalty for delay or refusal to provide reply to the applicant:
As per Section 20 of the RTI Act, every PIO will be liable for fine of Rs. 250 per day, up to a maximum of Rs. 25,000/- for failing to reply to the request in due time. However, this amount cannot exceed Rs. 25,000. The PIO must also be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard before any penalty is imposed on him.
Penalty maybe imposed on the PIO in the following instances:
- Not accepting an application.
- Delaying information release without reasonable cause;
- Mala fide denying of information;
- Knowingly giving incomplete, incorrect, misleading information;
- Destroying information that has been requested
- Obstructing furnishing of information in any manner of appeal.
Research that engages with RTI Application
SATARK NAGRIK SANGATHAN October 2025: Report on the Performance of Information Commission in India 2024-25
This report is based on the compilation of RTI applications filed with the Commissions and is the most widely used empirical source on how RTI petitions progress through the appeal system after an initial refusal/non-response. The report highlights a significant increase in the appeals and complaints across the Central Information Commission (CIC) and 28 State Information Commissions (SICs), estimating roughly 4.1-4.3 lakh cases pending as of the mid-2025 period. Only 5% of decided cases resulted in a penalty on the concerned PIO despite statutory provisions. Whereas approximately 41% of appeals reportedly returned without a substantive order due to procedural defects, forcing applicants to refile.
International Experience with the term "RTI Application"
On a global level, the term "RTI Application" lies within an umbrella term of "right of access to government information". It is an instrument that shares a similar principle act but may differ in scope, terminology, and enforcement mechanism.
| Jurisdiction | Statute/Instrument | Key contrast with India's RTI Application |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Freedom of Information Act, 1967 | Applies only to federal executive-branch agencies; a narrow institutional scope. |
| United Kingdom | Freedom of Information Act, 2000 | Covers public authorities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. |
| Canada | Access to Information Act, 1985 | Uses "access to information" terminology rather than "right to information". |
Also Known As:
The RTI Application is commonly known as:
- RTI request,
- Right to Information request,
- Section 6 Application
- Infromation request.
Official Online Databases:
RTI application form, available at SAMPLE RTI APPLICATION FORM
RTI form available at: RTI FORM NO.1
RTI form for Delhi Development Authority available at: FORM A FOR DELHI RTI SAMPLE
Citizen login for online RTI available at: RTI LOGIN , CITIZEN LOGIN
Right to Information Act, 2005, available at: RTI ACT Pdf
User manual for easy understanding of RTI online, available at: User manual of RTI Applicant
Portal for the State-wise access of their RTI sites, available Link of the State Information Commission
References
- ↑ 'Get Info under RTI without Revealing Your Identity' Hindustan Times (Kolkata, 21 Nov. 2013) https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/get-info-under-rti-without-revealing-your-identity/story-O6VLvAYUePxk0iXIZpO89N.html accessed on 10 September 2026