Right to Information Act 2005: How to File an RTI and Get Answers from the Government

The RTI Act gives every Indian citizen the right to access information held by public authorities. Know the procedure, timelines, exemptions, and how to appeal when information is wrongly denied.

15 May 2026

By Law Saral Editorial Team — Legal Research & Content Review

Reviewed by Adv. Harvijaysinh H. Gohil, Advocate — Bar Council of Gujarat · G/954/1994

What is the RTI Act?

The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) came into force on 12 October 2005. It confers on every Indian citizen the right to request information from any public authority — central, state, or local government bodies funded substantially by public money.

The RTI Act transformed governance accountability in India. In the two decades since its enactment, millions of RTI applications have uncovered corruption, delayed project execution, faulty public works, and denial of services — making it one of the most powerful civic tools available to ordinary citizens.

What Can You Ask For?

Under Section 2(f), information includes: Records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, advice, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, and data Information held in any form — electronic, digital, printed, or otherwise

You can ask about: Status of a pending application or file Reasons for an administrative decision Expenditure on a government project Details of appointments, tenders, or contracts Copies of documents maintained by public authorities

Who Can File an RTI?

Any Indian citizen can file an RTI application. There is no requirement to be a party to a case, a professional, or an affected person. Civic interest alone is sufficient motivation.

RTI cannot be filed by companies, trusts, NGOs, or other legal entities — only by individual citizens.

How to File an RTI Application — Section 6

Step 1: Identify the correct public authority Identify the ministry, department, or body that holds the information you need. Central government bodies fall under the Central Information Commission (CIC); state government bodies fall under the respective State Information Commission (SIC).

Step 2: Write the application The application must be in writing — on plain paper or typed. There is no prescribed format. Address it to the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) or the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the relevant authority. State: The specific information you seek (be clear and precise — vague requests are often rejected or given incomplete answers) Your name and address

Step 3: Pay the fee Central government bodies: ₹10 (by demand draft, banker's cheque, Indian postal order, or cash in some offices) State governments: Fee varies — typically ₹10–₹50 depending on the state Persons below the poverty line are exempt from fees (attach BPL certificate)

Step 4: Submit Applications can be submitted: In person at the public authority's office By post Online through the RTI Online Portal (rtionline.gov.in (https://rtionline.gov.in)) for central government bodies — no fee stamp needed; payment by net banking/card

Timelines — Section 7

Standard reply: Within 30 days of receipt of the application Life or liberty matters: Within 48 hours Transferred applications: Within 35 days total (5 days for transfer + 30 days for new PIO)

If you ask for information that concerns a third party, the PIO must give the third party an opportunity to respond (Section 11), which can extend timelines.

Key Exemptions — Section 8

The RTI Act is not absolute. Public authorities can lawfully refuse information that: Affects national security, sovereignty, or strategic interests Relates to cabinet papers or deliberative records (until the decision is taken) Would endanger the life or safety of a person Is information received in confidence from a foreign government Constitutes commercially sensitive or trade secret information (where disclosure would harm a third party's competitive position) Is personal information with no public interest justification Relates to investigation or prosecution of offences

However, even exempt information must be disclosed if the public interest in disclosure outweighs the harm — the PIO must conduct this balancing exercise.

First Appeal — Section 19(1)

If the CPIO/SPIO: Does not reply within the time limit Refuses information Provides incomplete or misleading information Charges excessive fees

You can file a first appeal to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) — an officer senior to the CPIO in the same public authority — within 30 days of the reply or the expiry of the reply period.

The FAA must decide within 30 days (extendable to 45 days with reasons).

Second Appeal — Section 19(3)

If unsatisfied with the first appeal, you can file a second appeal to the: Central Information Commission (CIC) — for central government bodies State Information Commission (SIC) — for state government bodies

The second appeal must be filed within 90 days of the first appeal order. The Information Commission can: Direct disclosure of information Impose a penalty of ₹250 per day on the defaulting PIO (up to ₹25,000) for delays Recommend disciplinary action against the PIO

Section 4 — Proactive Disclosure

Section 4 requires every public authority to proactively publish specific categories of information on their website — budget, organisational structure, powers and duties of officers, details of ongoing schemes, tender notices, and more. This reduces the need to file RTI applications for routine information.

Practical Tips

Be specific — "copies of files relating to the construction of [road] sanctioned in [year], showing expenditure and contractor details" is far more effective than "all information about roads" Cite the section — include "under the Right to Information Act, 2005" in your application Keep proof — retain the postal receipt, acknowledgment, or online submission confirmation Track the timeline — mark the 30-day deadline in your calendar; file your first appeal promptly if there is no response Use online filing for central government bodies — it creates an automatic trail

Conclusion

The RTI Act is one of the most powerful accountability tools available to Indian citizens. It requires no legal expertise, minimal cost, and a simple written application. Whether you are challenging a delayed ration card, seeking records on a public works project, or questioning an administrative decision, the RTI is the starting point.

*This article provides general educational information about the Right to Information Act, 2005. It does not constitute legal advice. Law Saral is an AI-powered technology platform — not a law firm or legal advisor.*