Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005
Your right to access government information — how to file RTI applications, fees, response timelines, first and second appeals, exemptions, online portal, and practical tips.
📢 Background
The Right to Information Act, 2005 came into force on 12 October 2005. It empowers every Indian citizen to request information from any "public authority" — covering central government, state governments, local bodies, and bodies substantially financed by the government. The Act promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance. Administered by the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions.
📋 How to File an RTI Application
- 1️⃣ Identify the Public Authority: Determine which government department or body holds the information you need
- 2️⃣ Address to PIO: Write or type your application addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of that authority. In English, Hindi, or official state language
- 3️⃣ Be Specific: Clearly describe the information sought. No need to give reasons why you want the information. You can ask for documents, records, files, decisions, policies
- 4️⃣ Pay Fee: ₹10 application fee (central government). Varies by state (₹10-50). BPL cardholders are exempt. Pay via postal order, demand draft, or online
- 5️⃣ Submit: By post, in person, or online via rtionline.gov.in (for central government ministries). States have their own portals
⏱️ Timelines & Response
📅 30-Day Response
PIO must respond within 30 days of receiving the application. If the application involves life/liberty of a person: 48 hours. If transferred to another department: 35 days total.
💰 Additional Costs
Photocopies: ₹2/page (A4). Larger paper: actual cost. Inspection of records: no fee for first hour, ₹5 per 15 minutes thereafter. CD/floppy: ₹50. Information in printed form: at printing cost.
⚡ First Appeal (Section 19)
If no response within 30 days or unsatisfied with response: file first appeal to the First Appellate Authority (officer senior to PIO) within 30 days. Decision within 30-45 days.
🏛️ Second Appeal (CIC/SIC)
If first appeal fails: file second appeal with Central/State Information Commission within 90 days. CIC can impose penalty of ₹250/day on PIO (max ₹25,000) for unreasonable delay.
🚫 Exemptions (Section 8)
- 🔒 National Security: Information affecting sovereignty, integrity, security, strategic/scientific/economic interests of India, or relations with foreign states
- 🔒 Court Prohibition: Information expressly forbidden by any court or tribunal to be published
- 🔒 Parliamentary Privilege: Disclosure that would breach privilege of Parliament or State Legislature
- 🔒 Trade Secrets: Commercial confidence, trade secrets, intellectual property where disclosure would harm competitive position (unless larger public interest served)
- 🔒 Personal Information: Information that has no relationship to any public activity or interest and would cause unwarranted invasion of privacy
- ⚠️ Override: If public interest in disclosure outweighs harm to protected interest, information can still be disclosed (Sec 8(2)). Information older than 20 years: generally disclosed
💡 Practical Tips for Effective RTI
- ✅ Ask specific questions — "How many" / "What is the status" / "Provide copy of" works better than vague queries
- ✅ One application per department — don't combine questions for different ministries
- ✅ Keep postal proof (speed post receipt) or online acknowledgment for tracking
- ✅ BPL families are completely exempt from fees — attach BPL card copy
- ✅ Use online portals for faster processing and easy tracking
- ✅ If PIO doesn't respond in 30 days, it's a "deemed refusal" — immediately file first appeal
⚠️ Disclaimer
This page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. While we strive for 100% accuracy, laws and regulations change frequently. Always refer to the official gazette notifications, consult a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), or legal professional before making any financial or legal decisions. Tenhash is not responsible for any actions taken based on this information. Last reviewed: March 2026.