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RTI (Right to Information) Process in India – Complete Complaint & Evidence Guide

Important Context The Right to Information Act 2005 applies only to Government Departments, Regulators, PSUs, and Public Authorities like SBI, BSNL, Railways, RBI, UPPCL, etc. You cannot file RTI against purely private companies.

Phase 1: Draft the RTI Properly

A badly written RTI gets rejected quickly.

Ask for documents/records Do not ask “Why?” or seek opinions

Correct Example: “Provide certified copy of action taken report on complaint number XYZ.”

Wrong Example: “Why is my complaint delayed?”

Keep the RTI focused on one issue only.

Phase 2: File the RTI (Level 1)

Fee: ₹10 only (BPL applicants exempt).

For Central Govt & PSUs

(SBI, BSNL, Railways, NHAI, EPFO, etc.)

Official Portal: rtionline.gov.in

Select department → Submit RTI → Pay fee online → Get Registration Number.

For State Government Departments

(Police, Electricity Boards, Revenue Offices, etc.)

Use the respective state RTI portal or send physical application via Speed Post addressed to:

“Public Information Officer (PIO)” of the concerned department.

Attach ₹10 Postal Order/Court Fee Stamp.

RTI Timeline

Normal cases → Reply within 30 days

Life & Liberty matters → 48 hours

Phase 3: First Appeal (Internal Escalation)

If no reply comes within 30 days, or information is incomplete/misleading:

File a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority

Deadline: Within 30 days.

Reason examples:

“Information incomplete”

“PIO failed to reply within timeline”

FAA must decide within 30–45 days.

Phase 4: Second Appeal (Final Escalation)

If the department still hides records:

Central Govt Cases

Appeal to Central Information Commission

Portal: cic.gov.in

The CIC can impose a personal penalty of ₹250/day (up to ₹25,000) on the PIO for wrongful denial or delay.

State Govt Cases

Appeal to the respective State Information Commission

Usually within 90 days of FAA order.

Why RTI Is Powerful

RTI gives official proof and internal records. You can attach RTI replies as evidence in:

CPGRAMS complaints

CM Helpline cases

Consumer Courts

Ombudsman complain