RTI application format with first and second appeal
Any citizen can seek information from a public authority by writing to its Public Information Officer under Section 6 of the Right to Information Act, 2005. The reply is due within 30 days (Section 7). If it is refused or not given, a first appeal lies within 30 days to the First Appellate Authority, and a second appeal within 90 days to the Information Commission (Section 19).
Key points
- Application: Section 6 RTI Act; no reason needs to be given.
- Fee: Rs. 10 for Central public authorities; BPL applicants are exempt; States set their own fees.
- Reply within 30 days; 48 hours where life or liberty is involved (Section 7(1)).
- First appeal within 30 days (Section 19(1)); second appeal within 90 days (Section 19(3)).
The law: old and new provisions
| Subject | Law now | Before 1 July 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Request for information | Section 6 RTI Act, 2005 | — |
| Appeals | Section 19 RTI Act, 2005 | — |
Which court or authority
Public Information Officer of the authority; online on rtionline.gov.in for Central authorities.
What the document should contain
- Name and address of the PIO and the authority
- Specific information sought, in numbered points
- Period the information relates to
- Fee details
- Applicant’s name, address and signature
Documents to attach
- Fee payment proof (postal order, DD, online receipt)
- BPL certificate, if claiming exemption
Procedure
- Write to the PIO with the fee (or file online)
- Wait 30 days for the reply
- File the first appeal, then the second appeal if needed
Common mistakes
- Asking questions instead of seeking records
- Vague requests covering long periods
Sample rti application format
A short model to show the structure. Adapt the cause title, facts and prayer to your matter.
To,
The Public Information Officer
[Name of the public authority]
[Address]
Sub: Application under Section 6 of the Right to Information Act, 2005
Sir/Madam,
Please provide the following information:
1. [Specific record or information sought]
2. [Specific record or information sought]
Period to which the information relates: [from __ to __]
I have paid the application fee of Rs. 10 by [IPO / DD / online], no. [__] dated [__]. [Or: I belong to the BPL category; copy of the certificate is enclosed.]
I am a citizen of India.
Name: [__]
Address: [__]
Phone/Email: [__]
Date: [__] Signature
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the government have to reply to an RTI?
30 days from receipt of the application; 48 hours if the information concerns the life or liberty of a person.