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A citizen's guide to fees, timelines, first and second appeals, and what information can be refused
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen a legal right to seek information held by public authorities. Passed in June 2005, it came fully into force on October 12, 2005. It is one of India's most widely used transparency laws, with lakhs of applications filed every year on matters ranging from ration cards and pensions to public spending and exam records.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice.
"Public authorities" include:
Private companies are not directly covered, but information about them held by a public authority or regulator can be sought.
Records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, advice, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, samples and electronic data, as defined in Section 2(f). You can also request inspection of works and records, and certified samples of material.
Many states have their own RTI portals.
| Situation | Deadline for reply |
|---|---|
| Normal request | 30 days |
| Concerning life or liberty of a person | 48 hours |
| Application via Assistant PIO | 35 days |
| Third-party information involved | 40 days |
If no reply is received in time, it is treated as deemed refusal, and information must later be provided free of charge.
Filed with the First Appellate Authority (FAA), an officer senior to the PIO in the same public authority, within 30 days of receiving the reply or the deadline passing.
Filed with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the relevant State Information Commission (SIC) within 90 days of the first appeal decision. Commissions can order disclosure and impose penalties of up to ₹25,000 on PIOs for unjustified delay or denial.
Section 8 lists exemptions, including information that would:
Section 24 exempts certain intelligence and security organisations, except for information about corruption and human rights violations.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 amended Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act to broaden the exemption for personal information. Transparency advocates argue this weakens the public-interest test that previously allowed disclosure of personal information in some cases, while supporters say it protects privacy. How commissions and courts interpret the change will shape future disclosures.
Section 4 requires public authorities to publish key information proactively, such as organisational structure, budgets, decision-making processes and officers' contact details, so citizens do not need to file RTIs for basic information.
No. The Act specifically says applicants need not give reasons.
Not directly. But you can seek information about it held by a public authority, such as a regulator.
File a first appeal after 30 days. If still unsatisfied, approach the Information Commission.
Indian citizens living abroad can file online through the central portal.
The RTI Act puts government information within reach of ordinary citizens. Ask precise questions, track deadlines and use appeals when needed to make transparency work in practice.
