What is RTI (Right to Information) and How to File it?

By Expert , 14 May 2025

The RTI (Right to Information Act, 2005) is an Indian law that allows for the access of information by the citizens from any public authority (government offices, departments, or those institutions which are government-funded). The intent behind the RTI Act is to promote transparency and accountability in the workings of the government.

The Act allows you to seek copies of records, data, reports, decisions, reasons for decisions, and other information that concerns you or the public at large.

📋 What Information Can You Ask Under RTI?

Status of your application (e.g. ration card, passport, etc.)
Inspection of public works (e.g. road repairs, school funds)
Reasons for delays or decisions
Certified copies of official records
Government rules, policies, and guidelines

However, personal information, matters affecting national security, or information under exemption clauses (Section 8) can be denied.

📝 How To File RTI Application

Step 1: Find out the name of the Public Authority

Decide which government department would hold the information you require (e.g., municipal office, education board, transport department, etc.).

Step 2: Draft your RTI application

Address the application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the department concerned.

Mention in clear words the information requested by you under the RTI Act, 2005.

Be as specific as possible with the details required.

State your name and contact address, and put your signature.

Example:

To 
The Public Information Officer, 
XYZ Department, 
Address... 
Subject: Request for information under RTI Act, 2005 
Respected Sir/Madam, 
Please provide the following information: 
1. ……………. 
2. ……………. 
I am enclosing the application fee of ₹10 by [IPO/DD/Online]. 
Name: 
Address: 
Contact: 
Signature:

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

₹10 for central and for most of the state government departments.

The payment can be made via Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft, cash, or online, if available.

Step 4: Forward the RTI Application

Offline: Submit in person or by post in favour of department PIO.

Online: Only for Central Government. Log on to https://rtionline.gov.in

Select a department and submit your RTI with online payment.

⏳ Timeline for Response

The PIO must send his reply within 30 days. If the information is not provided or denied to you, then you file:

First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA)
Second Appeal with the Central/State Information Commission

❌ Information You Cannot Ask

Anything affecting national security or sovereignty
Anything personal without public interest
Cabinet papers (until decisions are made)
Trade secrets or intellectual property
Internal office memos (with certain exceptions)

FAQs – RTI (Right to Information)

1. What is the RTI Act?: The Right to Information Act, 2005, empowers all citizens of India to request information from specified bodies to ensure accountability and transparency.
2. Who can file an RTI?: Every Indian citizen can file an RTI. There is no age limit; even students or unemployed persons can file it.
3. What can I seek information on under the RTI?: You may ask for official records, official reports, files, orders, project status, and reasons for government action.
4. Can I ask questions or just request documents?: You may not ask questions or request opinions. What you can do is seek information in the form of documents or records or in the form of data that is available with the concerned department.
5. Is there any fee to file an RTI?: Yes. Generally, the application fee is an amount of ₹10. Plus, the candidate may also have to bear the additional fees for photocopying the documents or other materials.
6. How can I file an RTI?: It can be filed either offline (by post or by personal application) or online for central government departments at https://rtionline.gov.in.
7. Do I have to provide a reason for filing an RTI?: No. You do not have to state the reasons for seeking information.
8. Can RTIs be filed against private companies?: No, RTI applies only to public authorities. Private companies may fall under its purview if they receive government funding or are discharging a public function.
9. How long does it take to get a reply?: The Public Information Officer (PIO) must reply in thirty days. In case of matters concerning life or liberty, it shall be disposed of within forty-eight hours. In another case, it goes up to thirty days.
10. What if I don’t get a reply? Should it be unsatisfactory?: You can file a First Appeal in thirty days with the First Appellate Authority. If denied, you can file a Second Appeal with the Information Commission.
11. Is there any penalty for the PIO if they don’t reply?: Yes. If a PIO delays or provides false information, the Information Commission can impose a penalty of ₹250 for each day up to a maximum of ₹25,000.
12. Can I request personal information about other people?: No. Personal information is not accessible unless in the larger public interest and allowed under Section 8 of the Act.
13. Can I file the RTI anonymously?: No, you have to provide your name and address for the reply to be made.
14. Is RTI available in all Indian languages?: The RTI can be filed in English, Hindi and the state of that region's official language.
15. Can an RTI be filed for getting the answer sheet for my exams?: Yes, several students apply for the same using RTI to get the answer sheets from public universities to government recruitment examinations.
16. Can I file an RTI from outside India?: Yes. NRIs can file RTI applications via Indian embassies or online for problems concerning Central Government Departments.
17. How will I know to which department to send the complaint?: Identify the right public authority responsible for the information you are seeking. Possible sources are their official website or RTI portal.
18. Can I track my RTI application status?: Yes, on rtionline.gov.in, the tracking of RTI status applied for with respect to Central Government bodies could be checked.
19. Is there any specific format for writing an RTI application?: There is no fixed format, but the application must be clear, specific, and polite. Many states, however, have templates.
20. Is the RTI applicable to the judiciary or courts?: Yes, with some restrictions. You can ask for information held in administrative capacities and not concerning judicial decisions.