RTI — Right to Information Guide

1

What is RTI? — Right to Information Act 2005

The Right to Information Act 2005 gives every Indian citizen the right to request information from any public authority. It is one of the most powerful tools for accountability and transparency. Under RTI, public authorities must reply within 30 days (48 hours for matters involving life/liberty).

📌 Who Can File RTI?

Any citizen of India — you do not need to be a lawyer or activist
You do not need to give a reason for seeking information
Application fee: ₹10 (can be waived for BPL families)
Information must be provided within 30 days
If life/liberty is involved: within 48 hours

2

How to File an RTI Application

📌 Step-by-Step RTI Filing Process

Step 1 — Identify the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the relevant department
Step 2 — Write a simple application in English, Hindi or any official state language
Step 3 — Pay ₹10 fee: by IPO (Indian Postal Order), demand draft, or cash
Step 4 — Send by registered post OR submit online at rtionline.gov.in
Step 5 — PIO must reply within 30 days
Step 6 — If no reply or unsatisfied, file First Appeal within 30 days

Your RTI letter should clearly state: the information needed, the period, the department, and a request to provide copies of documents. Keep it specific — vague requests can be rejected.

3

First & Second Appeal Process

Stage	Where to File	Timeline	Fee
RTI Application	Public Information Officer (PIO)	Reply in 30 days	₹10
First Appeal	First Appellate Authority (senior officer in same dept)	File within 30 days; reply in 30 days	No fee
Second Appeal	Central/State Information Commission	File within 90 days of 1st appeal; no time limit for reply	No fee
High Court	Writ petition under Article 226	No time limit	Court fees apply

📌 Penalty for Non-Compliance

PIO can be fined ₹250 per day up to ₹25,000 for delay or wrong information
Information Commission can also award compensation to the applicant

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Exemptions — What Cannot Be Sought Under RTI

📌 Exempt Information (Section 8 RTI Act)

Information affecting sovereignty, security or strategic interests of India
Information expressly forbidden by court or that would constitute contempt of court
Information that would breach privilege of Parliament/State Legislature
Personal information with no public interest (e.g., private medical records)
Cabinet papers, deliberations of Council of Ministers
Information given in confidence to the government

Note: Even exempt information must be provided if public interest outweighs the harm. The Information Commission decides this on a case-by-case basis.

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RTI as a Political Tool — Practical Uses

📌 How Activists & Politicians Use RTI

Seek records of government contracts and tenders — expose corruption
Get details of road/infrastructure projects in your constituency
Find out why a ration card, pension or welfare scheme was denied
Obtain copies of government policies, orders and circulars
Get information about government employees — transfers, appointments
Seek records of public funds spent on events, advertisements
Online portal: rtionline.gov.in
Tamil Nadu State RTI portal: rti.tn.gov.in