RTI Complaint
Under the RTI Act, 2005, a Public Information Officer (PIO) must respond within 30 days. If they don't, or give an incomplete/incorrect reply, you can file a First Appeal and then a Second Appeal to the Information Commission.
What Is It
A formal appeal/complaint filed when a Public Information Officer fails to respond to an RTI application within the statutory time, or provides an unsatisfactory or denied response.
When To Use It
File a First Appeal if you receive no response within 30 days or an unsatisfactory response; file a Second Appeal with the Information Commission if the First Appellate Authority also fails to act.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Check whether 30 days have passed since your RTI application without a response, or the response is unsatisfactory.
- 2File a First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority of the same department within 30 days of the deadline/response.
- 3If unresolved in 30–45 days, file a Second Appeal with the Central/State Information Commission.
- 4Use rtionline.gov.in for central government departments to file the application and appeals online.
- 5Attach your original RTI application, acknowledgment, and any response received as evidence.
Documents Required
- Original RTI application and acknowledgment
- Response received (if any)
- First Appeal copy (for Second Appeal)
- Fee payment proof
Fees
RTI application fee is ₹10; appeals are generally free of cost.
Processing Time
PIOs must respond within 30 days; First Appeals should be decided within 30–45 days; Second Appeals can take several months.
Important Tips
- Frame your RTI questions precisely and specifically to get a complete answer.
- Always keep your application number and date of filing to track the 30-day deadline.
- You can request a fee waiver if you are Below Poverty Line (BPL), with proof.