Filing an RTI application: how to ask the government for information

The RTI Act gives all citizens the right to information held by or under the control of a public authority (Section 3). "Information" is broad. It covers records, documents, emails, opinions, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, samples and electronic data (Section 2(f)). The right includes inspecting records and works, taking notes and certified copies, and getting certified samples (Section 2(j)). A request can be made in writing or electronically, in English, Hindi or the official language of the area, with the prescribed fee (Section 6(1)). The applicant doesn't have to give a reason or any personal details other than what's needed to contact them (Section 6(2)).

The PIO must either provide the information or reject the request, citing the exemptions in Sections 8 and 9, within 30 days of receiving it. Information about a person's life or liberty must be provided within 48 hours (Section 7(1)). If the PIO doesn't decide in time, the request is treated as refused (Section 7(2)). If the authority misses the time limit, the information must then be given free of charge (Section 7(6)). If the request belongs to another public authority, it must be transferred within five days and the applicant told (Section 6(3)).

Section 8 lists information that need not be disclosed. Examples are information that would harm national security, information a court has barred from publication, Cabinet papers, information that would impede an investigation, and trade secrets. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 replaced Section 8(1)(j) with a shorter clause: "information which relates to personal information". A government notification brought this change into force on 13 November 2025. The earlier version allowed personal information to be disclosed where a larger public interest justified it. A government explainer says Section 8(2), which allows access when the public interest in disclosure outweighs the harm, still applies. Petitions challenging the amendment are pending before the Supreme Court.

Appeals have two stages. A first appeal goes to an officer senior to the PIO in the same authority, within 30 days (Section 19(1)). A second appeal goes to the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the State Information Commission (SIC) within 90 days (Section 19(3)). Separately, anyone can complain to the Commission if, for example, no PIO was appointed, the application wasn't accepted, no reply came in time, the fee demanded was unreasonable, or the information given was incomplete or false (Section 18). The Commission can fine a PIO ₹250 a day, up to ₹25,000, for refusing an application, delay without reasonable cause, or knowingly giving false information (Section 20(1)).

1. The PIO of the public authority that holds the information, or its Assistant PIO. Applications can be posted or handed in.
2. RTI Online (opens in new tab) for central government ministries, departments and other central public authorities. It is not for state government bodies.
3. State RTI portals, where a state has one, for state government bodies. See the state notes.
4. The First Appellate Authority, an officer senior to the PIO in the same public authority.
5. The Central Information Commission (second appeals and complaints online at dss.cic.gov.in (opens in new tab)) for central bodies, or the State Information Commission for state bodies.