HOW TO FILE AN RTI IN INDIA

Introduction

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is one of the most powerful tools available to citizens of India.

The law gives every citizen the right to request information from public authorities and government bodies. It was enacted to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance.

RTI allows citizens to access records, documents, reports, files, expenditure details, decision-making processes, contracts, inspection reports, and other information held by government institutions.

The purpose of RTI is simple:

Government information belongs to the public unless there is a lawful reason to withhold it.

What Information Can Be Requested?

Citizens may request:

• Government records
• File notings
• Official correspondence
• Project reports
• Tender documents
• Budget expenditure details
• Inspection reports
• Audit reports
• Recruitment records
• Welfare scheme implementation details
• Land acquisition records
• Environmental approvals
• Meeting minutes
• Copies of government orders
• Public project status reports

RTI can be used at:

• Central Government departments
• State Government departments
• Municipal corporations
• Panchayats
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• Government-funded institutions
• Public universities
• Regulatory authorities
• Statutory bodies

What Cannot Normally Be Obtained?

Certain categories may be exempt under Sections 8 and 9 of the RTI Act.

Examples include:

• National security information
• Sensitive intelligence operations
• Information affecting ongoing investigations
• Personal information with no public interest justification
• Trade secrets protected by law
• Cabinet papers before decisions are finalized

However, exemptions are not absolute.

Where a larger public interest exists, disclosure may still be possible.

Before Filing an RTI

Ask yourself:

1. Which department likely holds the information?
2. What exact documents do you need?
3. What date range is relevant?
4. Can the request be framed clearly and specifically?

Good RTI requests seek records.

Poor RTI requests seek opinions.

Step 1: Identify the Public Authority

Determine which authority holds the information.

Examples:

• Road construction → Public Works Department
• School grants → Education Department
• Municipal issues → Municipal Corporation
• Land records → Land Revenue Department
• Police administration → Home Department

Sending RTIs to the correct authority improves response speed.

Step 2: Draft Your RTI Application

A simple RTI application may include:

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Most RTI applications require a fee.

Typical fee: ₹10

Payment methods vary by authority and may include:

• Online payment
• Postal Order
• Demand Draft
• Banker's Cheque

BPL (Below Poverty Line) applicants may be exempt from fees.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Central Government RTIs may be filed online.

State governments may provide:

• Online portals
• Email submissions
• Physical submission
• Registered post

Keep copies of all documents submitted.
Always save acknowledgements and payment receipts.

Step 5: Wait for the Response

• Normal response period: 30 days
• Life and liberty matters: 48 hours
• Transferred applications: Additional time may apply.

Failure to respond within the statutory period can be treated as a deemed refusal.

Step 6: First Appeal

If:

• No response is received
• Information is incomplete
• Information is wrongly denied

You may file a First Appeal.

The appeal is submitted to the First Appellate Authority (FAA), generally within 30 days.

Include:

• Original RTI copy
• Response received (if any)
• Grounds for appeal

Step 7: Second Appeal

If dissatisfied after the First Appeal:

• Central Government: Central Information Commission (CIC)
• State Government: Relevant State Information Commission

The Commission may order disclosure and impose penalties on officials where appropriate.

RTI Best Practices

Always:

• Request documents, not opinions.
• Ask specific questions.
• Use clear date ranges.
• Avoid emotional language.
• Keep requests concise.
• Maintain records of all correspondence.

Common Mistakes

Avoid:

• Asking "why" questions.
• Requesting explanations.
• Filing extremely broad requests.
• Using abusive language.
• Submitting multiple unrelated subjects in one application.

RTI and Investigative Journalism

RTI is one of the most effective tools for public-interest investigations.

Many major investigations involving public spending, procurement, infrastructure projects, recruitment processes, environmental compliance, and governance failures have relied on information obtained through RTI requests.

Evidence strengthens accountability.
Documentation strengthens reporting.
Transparency strengthens democracy.