Quick answer
An RTI application can be filed online via the central portal (rtionline.gov.in) for central ministries or through state-specific portals for state departments. The official application filing fee is Rs 10 (completely waived for citizens below the poverty line who present a BPL card). The Public Information Officer (PIO) must respond to the request within a statutory deadline of 30 days (or within 48 hours if the information concerns the life or liberty of a person). If the PIO rejects the query or fails to reply, the applicant can file a First Appeal within 30 days, followed by a Second Appeal to the Information Commission within 90 days.
Quick Answer
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is a landmark legislation that empowers citizens of India to seek information from public authorities. Whether you want to check the status of your land records, inquire about delayed government recruitments, inspect public works, or access file notings on administrative decisions, you have a statutory right to request this information. The process has been simplified via online portals. However, writing vague questions or seeking opinions rather than factual records leads to rejection by Public Information Officers (PIOs). At Inamdar Legal, we help citizens draft precise, legally sound RTI queries, identify the correct SPIO/CPIO, and navigate the appeals process.
An RTI application can be filed online via the central portal (rtionline.gov.in) for central ministries or through state-specific portals for state departments. The official application filing fee is Rs 10 (completely waived for citizens below the poverty line who present a BPL card). The Public Information Officer (PIO) must respond to the request within a statutory deadline of 30 days (or within 48 hours if the information concerns the life or liberty of a person). If the PIO rejects the query or fails to reply, the applicant can file a First Appeal within 30 days, followed by a Second Appeal to the Information Commission within 90 days.
- Official Application Fee: Rs 10 (nil fee for BPL card holders).
- Statutory reply window: Within 30 days of receipt of the application by the department.
- Emergency window: Within 48 hours if the request concerns life or liberty of a person.
- Appeals: First Appeal within 30 days to the FAA; Second Appeal within 90 days to the Central/State Information Commission.
What Information Can You Request under RTI?
Under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, you can request information in any form, including records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, and data material held in electronic form. You cannot ask the PIO for their opinion, or ask 'Why' a decision was made. You must ask for the 'Records' or 'Files' containing those decisions.
The RTI Appeal Hierarchy and Timelines
If your RTI is ignored or rejected, the law provides a two-tier appeal system to enforce compliance:
| Appeal Stage | Hearing Officer / Body | Filing Deadline | Statutory Decision Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Appeal (Section 19(1)) | First Appellate Authority (Senior Officer) | Within 30 days of rejection or expiry | Within 30 to 45 days |
| Second Appeal (Section 19(3)) | Central/State Information Commission | Within 90 days of FAA order | No fixed limit (typically 6-12 months) |
Critical Section 8 Exemptions from Disclosure
The RTI Act protects certain categories of information from disclosure under Section 8(1). SPIOs will reject your query if it falls under these areas: - **National Security**: Information that prejudicially affects the sovereignty, integrity, or security of India (Section 8(1)(a)). - **Third Party Personal Info**: Personal information of an individual that has no relation to any public activity, unless there is a larger public interest (Section 8(1)(j)). - **Intellectual Property**: Trade secrets, commercial confidence, or intellectual property whose disclosure would harm the competitive position of a third party (Section 8(1)(d)).
State-Specific Notes: Gujarat RTI Online Portal
For state government departments in Gujarat (such as local mamlatdar offices, city planners, or state police), the application can be filed online via the Gujarat State RTI portal (rtionline.gujarat.gov.in). If the department is not listed online, the application must be printed, a physical Rs 10 court-fee stamp or demand draft attached, and sent by Registered Post to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO). We assist clients in identifying SPIO addresses in Surat and Ahmedabad.
How Inamdar Legal Helps with Your RTI Application
Inamdar Legal provides complete remote drafting and tracking support. Operating from Surat, we serve clients across India. Our services include: 1. We analyze your requirements and select the correct public authority (CPIO/SPIO). 2. We draft clear, precise questions seeking records instead of opinions to minimize rejections. 3. We file the application on the official central/state portals and track the 30-day response clock. 4. If the PIO rejects the request without sufficient grounds, we draft and file the First and Second Appeals. To begin, the client provides: (1) Details of the department and records required, (2) Any previous correspondence or reference numbers, and (3) Verification details.
When to Review This
- Need to inspect municipal records or public works in your local ward
- Inquiring about delay in receiving government documents or licenses
- Seeking details of government recruitment test marks and key sheets
- Preparing files for administrative litigation and requiring official letters
Disclaimer
This guide is based on public records and procedures available as of the date of publication. It is not legal advice. Rules, fees, and timelines are subject to change by government authorities. Consult a qualified advocate to review your specific documentation. Inamdar Legal is based in Surat, Gujarat, and provides remote support across India.