Right to Information Act, 2005
सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम, 2005
Empowers every citizen to seek information from government
The Right to Information Act, 2005 makes government transparent and accountable. Any citizen of India can request information held by a public authority — Union, State, PSU, or NGO substantially funded by government. The information must be provided within 30 days, or 48 hours where life or liberty is at stake.
Key provisions
Section 3 — Right to information
Every citizen has the right to seek information held by or under the control of any public authority.
Section 4 — Suo motu disclosure
Public authorities must proactively publish 17 categories of information (organisation, powers, decisions, budgets, subsidies, contacts of PIOs).
Section 6 — Filing an application
Written application (or online at rtionline.gov.in), fee ₹10, addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO).
Section 7 — Time limit
30 days from receipt; 48 hours if it concerns life or liberty of a person; 35 days if application submitted to Assistant PIO.
Sections 8 & 9 — Exemptions
Sovereignty, security, foreign relations, cabinet papers, personal information without public interest, information held in fiduciary capacity, etc.
Sections 19 — Appeals
First appeal within 30 days to the First Appellate Authority; second appeal to the State or Central Information Commission within 90 days.
How to file an RTI
Draft a plain application in English, Hindi or the official language of the area. Address it to 'The Public Information Officer' of the concerned department. State your questions clearly, numbered. Pay ₹10 fee by Indian Postal Order, DD, cash or online. BPL applicants are exempt from all fees.
What if the PIO does not reply?
Silence beyond 30 days is deemed refusal. File a first appeal to the First Appellate Authority (senior officer). If unresolved, file a second appeal to the Central/State Information Commission. The Commission can impose a penalty of ₹250 per day on the PIO (up to ₹25,000).
Scope and applicability
The RTI Act gives citizens a mechanism to request existing information held by public authorities, subject to exemptions. It is not a mechanism requiring an authority to create explanations or answer hypothetical questions.
Key definitions
- Information
- Material in a recorded form covered by Section 2(f), including records, documents, emails and data held by or accessible to a public authority.
- Public authority
- A body falling within Section 2(h), including specified constitutional, statutory and substantially financed bodies.
Practical procedure
- 1Identify the public authority and precise existing records sought.
- 2File with the PIO online or through the accepted offline method and retain acknowledgment.
- 3If no adequate response is received, file a first appeal with the designated appellate authority.
- 4A second appeal or complaint may lie to the competent Information Commission.
Deadlines and timing
- The usual response period is 30 days; information concerning life or liberty is subject to the statutory 48-hour period.
- First and second appeal timelines must be checked against Sections 19 and the applicable rules.
Practical examples
- Ask for a copy of an existing inspection report instead of asking why an officer made a decision.
- Personal or exempt information may be withheld unless the statutory public-interest test supports disclosure.
Related guides
Who typically needs this
- Citizens seeking status of pension, ration card, land record
- Journalists investigating public spending and contracts
- Activists tracking government schemes and MGNREGA payments
- Applicants checking status of a job selection or exam result
Frequently asked questions
How much does an RTI application cost?
The application fee is ₹10 for Central Government and most States. Additional fees apply for copies (₹2 per page). BPL card holders are exempt from all fees under Section 7(5).
Can I file RTI online?
Yes, for all Central Government ministries and departments via rtionline.gov.in. Some States (Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka) have their own online portals; other States still require offline submission.
What can I do if my RTI is rejected?
File a first appeal within 30 days to the First Appellate Authority of the same public authority. If still unresolved, file a second appeal within 90 days to the Central or State Information Commission.
Related laws
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