While the RTI Act promotes transparency, Section 8 carves out specific exemptions to protect national interests and personal privacy. You cannot ask for:

• National Security: Information that could harm India’s sovereignty, integrity, security, or strategic scientific/economic interests.
• Court Orders: Information expressly forbidden from publication by any court or tribunal.
• Legislative Privilege: Information that would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or a State Legislature.
• Commercial Confidence: Trade secrets, intellectual property, or commercial data if its disclosure would harm a third party’s competitive position.
• Fiduciary Information: Information held in trust or a confidential relationship, like a doctor’s medical records of a patient.
• Life and Safety: Information that could endanger the life or physical safety of any person.
• Investigation Data: Information that would impede an ongoing investigation or the prosecution of offenders.
• Cabinet Papers: Deliberations of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries, and other officers. However, once a decision is made, the reasons and materials behind it can be disclosed.
• Personal Information: Private information that has no connection to any public activity or interest.

Absolutely not. An applicant is not required to provide any identity proof with an RTI application. Section 6(2) of the RTI Act is very clear: “An applicant making request for information shall not be required to give any reason for requesting the information or any other personal details except those that may be necessary for contacting him.”

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has repeatedly ruled that demanding proof of identity is an illegal obstruction and violates the Act. Your name and mailing address are sufficient.

No, not directly. The RTI Act only applies to “public authorities” as defined under the Act, which includes government bodies and organizations substantially financed by the government.

However, you can obtain information about a private company indirectly. If a government body or public authority holds information about a private company (as part of its regulatory function), you can file an RTI with that government body to access those records. For example:

• File an RTI with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) for a company’s financial statements.
• File an RTI with a Municipal Corporation for building plans or licenses granted to a private builder.
• File an RTI with a regulatory body like SEBI or RBI for information they hold on a listed company or bank.

The First Appellate Authority (FAA) is the first level of appeal within the RTI framework. The FAA is an officer in the same public authority who is senior in rank to the Public Information Officer (PIO).

You can file an appeal with the FAA if:

• You do not receive a decision from the PIO within the stipulated 30-day period.
• You are not satisfied with the information provided by the PIO.
• The PIO has demanded an unreasonable fee.
• The information provided is incomplete, misleading, or false.

There is no fee for filing the first appeal, and it must be filed within 30 days of receiving the PIO’s reply or from the date the reply was due.

If a Public Information Officer (PIO) fails to provide a reply to your RTI application within the mandated 30-day period (or 35 days if filed via an APIO), it is legally considered a “deemed refusal”.

In this scenario, you have the following remedies:

1. File a First Appeal: You have the right to file a first appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) within the next 30 days, treating the PIO’s silence as a rejection.
2. Complaint to the Information Commission: You can also file a direct complaint with the Central or State Information Commission under Section 18. The Commission can investigate and impose a penalty on the PIO for the delay, which is ₹250 per day up to a maximum of ₹25,000.

The “life and liberty” clause under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act is a critical provision for emergencies. It mandates that if the information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, the PIO must provide it within 48 hours.

Detailed Example:

Imagine a patient is admitted to a government hospital after an accident and is in a critical condition, but the hospital staff is refusing to provide the medical records needed for a specialist consultation at a private hospital. This refusal could endanger the patient’s life.

A relative can immediately file an RTI with the hospital’s PIO, clearly stating on the application: “Information sought concerns the life and liberty of a person under Section 7(1) and must be provided within 48 hours.” The request would be for: “Provide certified copies of all medical records, including test results and treatment charts, for patient [Patient’s Name], admitted on [Date].”

In this case, the PIO is legally bound to provide the information within 48 hours.

Yes, for Central Government bodies, there is a guideline. The DoPT (Department of Personnel and Training) guidelines state that an RTI application should ordinarily not exceed 500 words, excluding the addresses of the PIO and the applicant.

• This rule is not part of the original RTI Act but was introduced through administrative rules.
• An application cannot be rejected solely because it exceeds the 500-word limit. The PIO should still process the request.
• The online RTI portal (rtionline.gov.in) has a text box limit of 3000 characters. For longer applications, you can write “Please see the attached document” and upload a PDF.
• State rules may vary, so it’s always best to be concise and to the point.

Yes, absolutely. The ability to access file notings is one of the most powerful features of the RTI Act. File notings are the written opinions, advice, and deliberations recorded by government officials on a file during the decision-making process.

The definition of “information” under Section 2(f) includes “records,” “documents,” and “opinions,” which fully covers file notings. Accessing them allows you to understand the logic, reasoning, and any objections that were raised before a final decision was made, ensuring true transparency.

The primary difference between a Public Information Officer (PIO) and an Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) lies in their roles and responsibilities:

• Public Information Officer (PIO): This is the officer designated in every public authority who is directly responsible for processing RTI requests and providing the information. The legal duty to respond lies with the PIO.
• Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO): This officer acts as a receiving and forwarding agent. APIOs are appointed at local or sub-divisional levels to make it easier for citizens to submit applications. Their job is to accept RTI applications and appeals and forward them to the correct PIO or FAA.

Key Consequence: If you submit your application to an APIO, the time limit for receiving a response is extended from 30 days to 35 days, as the APIO gets 5 days to forward your request.

Yes, there is a complete fee exemption. Any citizen who is Below the Poverty Line (BPL) is not required to pay the ₹10 application fee or any additional charges for copies of documents (photocopying fees).

To avail this benefit, you must attach a self-attested photocopy of your BPL card, ration card, or any valid BPL certificate issued by the government along with your RTI application. You should also clearly state in your application letter that you are a BPL card holder and are thus exempt from paying the fee.

Paying the ₹10 RTI fee with an Indian Postal Order (IPO) is a common method for offline applications. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit any Post Office: Go to the counter and ask for an Indian Postal Order for ₹10.
2. Fill in the Details: On the IPO, you will find a section “Pay to”. In this space, you must write “The Accounts Officer” followed by the name of the department (e.g., “The Accounts Officer, Municipal Corporation of Delhi”).
3. Pay the Fee: Pay ₹10 to the postal clerk. They will stamp and return the IPO and its counterfoil to you.
4. Enclose with Application: Detach the main IPO and enclose it with your physical RTI application. Keep the smaller counterfoil part for your own records.

To find out the status of a police complaint or FIR, you need to file an RTI with the Public Information Officer of the concerned police station or the office of the Superintendent/Commissioner of Police.

Follow these steps:

1. Draft the Application: Address it to the PIO. Mention your name and address.
2. Provide Complaint Details: In the application body, clearly state the Complaint/Diary/FIR number, the date it was filed, and the names of the parties involved.
3. Ask Specific Questions: Do not ask vague questions. Ask for specific records, such as:
   • “Please provide the daily progress report on my complaint (No. XXX).”
   • “Provide a certified copy of the final investigation report, if prepared.”
   • “Provide the names and designations of all officers who have investigated this matter.”
4. Pay the Fee: Attach the ₹10 fee via IPO, court fee stamp, or as applicable in your state.
5. Submit: Send it via Speed Post or submit it in person.

Getting land records via RTI requires precision. You should file the RTI with the PIO of the authority that holds the records, such as the Tehsildar’s office, District Collector’s office, or the state’s Land Revenue Department.

Key elements of your application:

• Precise Property Identification: This is crucial. You must provide the complete details of the property, including the Survey number, Khasra/Gat number, Plot number, Village, Taluka, and District.
• Specify the Documents Needed: Clearly state what you want. Use phrases like “Please provide a certified copy of…” for documents such as:
  • Sale Deed / Conveyance Deed
  • Mutation Records (record of change of ownership)
  • Property Ownership Records (like 7/12 extract in Maharashtra or Jamabandi in North India)
  • Survey Map of the property

Using Speed Post is the recommended way to send offline RTI applications as it provides a verifiable delivery record. Here’s how to track it:

1. Get the Tracking Number: When you send the letter via Speed Post, the postal clerk will give you a receipt. This receipt contains a unique 13-digit alphanumeric code, which is your tracking number (also called consignment number).
2. Visit the India Post Website: Go to the official India Post tracking portal.
3. Enter the Number: Enter your tracking number in the designated field and solve the captcha.
4. Check the Status: The website will show you the entire journey of your letter, including the date and time it was delivered to the public authority.

Why is this important? The 30-day countdown for the PIO to reply starts from the date of delivery. This tracking printout is your legal proof of that date.

If you are not satisfied with the PIO’s response, or if you get no response at all, you can file a first appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA). There is no fee for this appeal.

Follow this process:

1. Check the Timeline: You must file the first appeal within 30 days of receiving the PIO’s reply or from the date the reply was due.
2. Draft the Appeal: Address it to the “First Appellate Authority” of the concerned department. The PIO’s reply letter usually contains the details of the FAA.
3. State Your Grounds for Appeal: Clearly and concisely explain why you are appealing. For example:
   • “No information was provided by the PIO within the stipulated 30-day period.”
   • “The information provided is incomplete and evasive.”
   • “The PIO has incorrectly invoked Section 8 to deny information.”
4. Attach Documents: You must attach copies of:
   • Your original RTI application.
   • The PIO’s reply (if you received one).
   • The Speed Post receipt or any other proof of submission.
5. Submit the Appeal: Send it via Speed Post to the FAA’s office.

To claim the fee exemption for being Below Poverty Line (BPL), the process is simple:

1. Make a Photocopy: Get a clear photocopy of your BPL card, BPL ration card, or any other certificate issued by the government that identifies you as a BPL beneficiary.
2. Self-Attest the Copy: Write “Self-Attested” on the photocopy and sign it.
3. Mention in Application: In the body of your RTI application, clearly write a sentence like: “I am a BPL card holder and am therefore exempt from paying the RTI fee under the rules. A self-attested copy of my BPL card is attached as proof.”
4. Attach and Send: Staple or pin this self-attested copy to your RTI application and send it. You do not need to pay the ₹10 fee.

Under Section 2(j) of the RTI Act, you have the right to get certified copies of any public document. The key is to be explicit in your request.

Effective Wording:

• Good: “Please provide a copy of the work order.”
• Better (and legally stronger): “Please provide a certified copy of the work order issued for the construction of the road at [location].”

By using the term “certified copy,” you are legally entitled to receive a photocopy of the document that has been stamped, signed, and verified as a “true copy” by the PIO or a designated official. This makes the document admissible as evidence in other legal proceedings.

Note that the PIO can charge you a fee for photocopying, which is typically ₹2 per page.

The effectiveness of your RTI application depends heavily on how you frame your questions. The goal is to seek information that already exists on record.

Golden Rules for Wording Questions:

• Ask for Records, Not Explanations: The PIO’s job is to provide records, not answer questions that start with “Why,” “What if,” or “How.”
  • Poor question: “Why was my application rejected?”
  • Effective question: “Please provide a certified copy of the file notings and reports based on which my application (No. XXX) was rejected.”
• Be Specific and Break It Down: Instead of one complex question, ask several simple, pointed questions.
  • Poor question: “Give me all details about the new road project.”
  • Effective questions:
    1. “Provide a copy of the sanctioned budget for the road project at [location].”
    2. “Provide a copy of the tender notice for this project.”
    3. “Provide a copy of the final contract awarded to the contractor.”
• Define the Scope: Mention a specific time period (e.g., “from Jan 1, 2023, to Dec 31, 2023”) to avoid being told the query is too vague.

Passport delays are often due to a pending police verification. Filing an RTI can significantly speed up the process. The best way is to file online.

Step-by-Step Guide for Online Filing:

1. Go to rtionline.gov.in: This is the central government’s official RTI portal.
2. Select Public Authority: In the ministry dropdown, select “Ministry of External Affairs”. In the public authority dropdown, select the specific Passport Office (e.g., RPO Delhi).
3. Enter Your Details: Fill in your name, address, and contact information.
4. Draft Your Query: In the text box, provide your passport application file number and ask the following:

   
   Reference: Passport Application File No. [Your File Number]
   
   Please provide the following information:
   1. The current status of my passport application.
   2. The daily progress report on my file since the date of submission.
   3. The names and designations of the officials who have handled my file.
   4. The date on which the Police Verification Request (PVR) was sent to the police department.
   5. The reason for the delay, if the application is pending for more than the prescribed time.
                               

5. Pay the Fee: Pay the ₹10 fee online using net banking, a debit card, or a credit card.

If a PIO has deliberately refused information, given false information, destroyed information, or not responded within the time limit, you can file a complaint under Section 18 of the RTI Act directly with the Central or State Information Commission.

This is different from a Second Appeal:

• A Second Appeal (Section 19) is filed to get the information you were denied.
• A Complaint (Section 18) is filed to hold the PIO accountable for their misconduct. It focuses on penalizing the officer rather than getting the information.

How to file a Complaint:

1. Draft a formal letter to the Information Commission, clearly labeling it as a “Complaint under Section 18 of the RTI Act.”
2. Explain the PIO’s misconduct in detail (e.g., “The PIO failed to respond within 30 days,” or “The PIO knowingly provided false information”).
3. Attach copies of your original RTI, the PIO’s reply (if any), and proof of submission.
4. The Commission will investigate and can impose a penalty on the PIO if they are found guilty.

Use this template to file an RTI with the PIO of the specific EPFO office where your account is held.

To,
The Public Information Officer
[Name of EPFO Office, Full Address]

Subject: Request for Information under RTI Act, 2005 regarding PF Withdrawal Status
Reference: PF Account No: [Your PF Account Number]

Sir/Madam,
Please provide the following information regarding my PF withdrawal claim submitted online/offline on [Date of Claim Submission]:

1. The current real-time status of my PF withdrawal claim.
2. The daily progress report on my claim since the date of submission.
3. The names and designations of all officials who have handled my claim file to date.
4. The official reason for the delay, if my claim has not been settled yet.

Applicant Name: [Your Name]
Address: [Your Address]
                    

File this RTI with the Public Information Officer at the District Collector’s office, who is typically the District Authority for MPLADS.

To,
The Public Information Officer
O/o The District Collector
[District Name, State]

Subject: Information regarding MPLADS funds for MP [MP's Name], [Constituency Name]

Sir/Madam,
With respect to the MPLADS funds for the financial years [e.g., 2023-24 and 2024-25], please provide the following information:

1. A list of all projects recommended by the MP, along with the estimated cost and current status (sanctioned/pending/rejected) of each.
2. For all sanctioned projects, provide the amount of funds released to the implementing agency.
3. Provide certified copies of the utilization certificates for all projects completed in the last two financial years.

Applicant Name: [Your Name]
Address: [Your Address]
                    

File this RTI with the PIO of the concerned Public Works Department (PWD) or Municipal Corporation.

To,
The Public Information Officer
[Name of Municipal Corporation/PWD, Address]

Subject: Information on tender and repair of the road from [Start Point] to [End Point]

Sir/Madam,
Regarding the above-mentioned road, please provide the following information:

1. A certified copy of the work order and the final tender agreement with the contractor.
2. The total amount sanctioned for this work and the total amount paid to the contractor to date.
3. A certified copy of the measurement book that records the work done.
4. The scheduled date of completion as per the contract and the reason for delay, if any.

Applicant Name: [Your Name]
Address: [Your Address]
                    

File this RTI with the PIO of the Sub-Registrar’s office where the property was registered.

To,
The Public Information Officer
O/o The Sub-Registrar
[Office Address, City]

Subject: Request for certified copies of property documents under RTI

Sir/Madam,
Please provide certified copies of the following documents related to the property located at [Full Address of Property], which has the Registration Number [if known] and was registered on or around [Date, if known]:

1. The Sale Deed / Conveyance Deed.
2. The Index II extract.
3. The chain of all previous sale deeds for this property that are available in your records.

Applicant Name: [Your Name]
Address: [Your Address]
                    

File this with the PIO of the specific Police Station where the FIR was registered. The Supreme Court has mandated that FIRs be uploaded online, but if it is not available, you can use this RTI.

To,
The Public Information Officer
[Name of Police Station, Full Address]

Subject: Request for a certified copy of an FIR under RTI Act, 2005

Sir/Madam,
Please provide me with a certified copy of the following First Information Report (FIR):

FIR No: [FIR Number]
Date of Registration: [Date]
Registered at: [Police Station Name]
Under Sections: [e.g., IPC 420, etc., if known]
Parties Involved: [If known]

Applicant Name: [Your Name]
Address: [Your Address]
                    

As per a Supreme Court judgment, students have the right to get copies of their own answer sheets. File this RTI with the PIO of the University or Examination Board.

To,
The Public Information Officer / Controller of Examinations
[Name of University/Board, Address]

Subject: Request for a certified copy of my evaluated answer sheet under RTI

Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Name], with Roll Number [Your Roll No.], appeared for the [Name of Examination, e.g., B.Com Semester III] held in [Month/Year].

Please provide me with a certified copy of my evaluated answer sheet for the subject [Subject Name and Subject Code].

For verification, I am enclosing a self-attested copy of my admit card / student ID card.

Applicant Name: [Your Name]
Address: [Your Address]
                    

File this with the PIO of your local Municipal Corporation or Panchayat.

To,
The Public Information Officer / Health Officer
[Name of Municipal Corporation, Address]

Subject: Information regarding garbage collection services in [Your Area/Ward No.]

Sir/Madam,
Please provide the following information for my locality, [Your Specific Area and Ward No.]:

1. The official schedule, including days and approximate times, for door-to-door garbage collection.
2. The name and contact number of the contractor and the designated supervisor for this area.
3. A copy of the contract or work order awarded for garbage collection in this ward.

Applicant Name: [Your Name]
Address: [Your Address]
                    

If you’ve filed a complaint about illegal construction and no action has been taken, use this RTI with the PIO of the Municipal Corporation’s building proposals or planning department.

To,
The Public Information Officer
[Building Proposal Dept., Municipal Corporation Name, Address]

Subject: Information on action taken on illegal construction complaint at [Address of Property]

Sir/Madam,
With reference to my written complaint dated [Date] (a copy is enclosed) regarding illegal construction at the address mentioned above, please provide the following:

1. A detailed summary of the action taken on my complaint to date.
2. Certified copies of all inspection reports and file notings related to this matter.
3. A copy of the stop-work notice or demolition order issued to the property owner, if any.

Applicant Name: [Your Name]
Address: [Your Address]
                    

File this with the PIO of the concerned pension disbursing authority (e.g., Treasury Office, Bank, or the department from which you retired).

To,
The Public Information Officer
[Name of Pension Disbursing Authority, Address]

Subject: Information on delay in my monthly pension (PPO No: [Your PPO Number])

Sir/Madam,
With reference to the above subject, please provide the following information:

1. The specific reason for the delay in crediting my pension for the month(s) of [Mention Months/Period].
2. The date on which my pension was processed and sent to the bank.
3. The date by which the arrears will be credited to my account.
4. The names and designations of the officers responsible for processing the pension disbursement for the mentioned period.

Applicant Name: [Your Name]
Address: [Your Address]
                    

File this RTI with the PIO of the electricity department or the engineering/electrical department of your Municipal Corporation.

To,
The Public Information Officer
[Electrical Department, Municipal Corporation Name, Address]

Subject: Information on action taken for non-functional streetlight at [Specific Location]

Sir/Madam,
Regarding the non-functional streetlight at Pole No. [Pole Number, if available] located at [Specific Landmark/Address], for which a complaint was filed on [Date, if any], please provide:

1. The current status of the complaint and the reason for the delay in repair.
2. The expected date by which the streetlight will be repaired and made functional.
3. The name of the official or contractor responsible for the maintenance of streetlights in this area.

Applicant Name: [Your Name]
Address: [Your Address]