Vakil Dost

RTI-faqs

RTI Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to common queries about the Right to Information Act.

English हिन्दी

English FAQs

1. What is the standard time limit for a response?
The PIO must respond within 30 days of receiving the application.
2. What is the “Life and Liberty” 48-hour rule?
Under Section 7(1), if information concerns a person’s life or liberty, it must be provided within 48 hours.
3. What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹10 for Central Government departments. BPL cardholders are exempt.
4. Can I file an RTI online?
Yes, via the RTI Online portal (rtionline.gov.in) for Central Ministries.
5. Who is a Public Information Officer (PIO)?
An officer designated by a public authority to provide information to citizens.

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न (हिन्दी)

1. सूचना प्राप्त करने की मानक समय सीमा क्या है?
लोक सूचना अधिकारी (PIO) को आवेदन प्राप्त होने के 30 दिनों के भीतर जवाब देना होगा।
2. 48 घंटे वाला “जीवन और स्वतंत्रता” नियम क्या है?
धारा 7(1) के तहत, यदि सूचना किसी व्यक्ति के जीवन या स्वतंत्रता से जुड़ी है, तो 48 घंटे में जवाब देना अनिवार्य है।
3. आरटीआई आवेदन शुल्क क्या है?
केंद्र सरकार के लिए यह ₹10 है। बीपीएल (BPL) श्रेणी के लोगों के लिए यह निःशुल्क है।
4. क्या मैं आरटीआई ऑनलाइन दाखिल कर सकता हूँ?
हाँ, केंद्र सरकार के विभागों के लिए rtionline.gov.in पोर्टल का उपयोग किया जा सकता है।
5. प्रथम अपील (First Appeal) क्या है?
यदि 30 दिनों में जवाब नहीं मिलता या आप जवाब से संतुष्ट नहीं हैं, तो आप उच्च अधिकारी के पास अपील कर सकते हैं।

RTI Act 2005: Interactive Mapper

Navigate sections, timelines, and filing protocols instantly.

1
Application
(Sec 6)
2
PIO Response
(30 Days)
3
1st Appeal
(Sec 19[1])
4
2nd Appeal
(Sec 19[3])
Section Provision (Key Topic) Timeline / Fee
Section 6(1) How to request information. Writing in English/Hindi/Local Language. No reason required. ₹10 Fee
Section 7(1) General disposal of request. Information must be provided or rejected. 30 Days Max
Section 7(1) (Proviso) Life or Liberty Clause: If info concerns life or liberty of a person. 48 Hours
Section 8 Exemption from disclosure (Sovereignty, National Security, Fiduciary relationship). Restriction
Section 19(1) First Appeal: Filed to the Senior Officer if PIO fails to respond or gives false info. Within 30 Days
Section 19(3) Second Appeal: Filed to the Central/State Information Commission. Within 90 Days
Section 20 Penalties: PIO can be fined ₹250/day up to ₹25,000 for delay/malafide denial. Fine/Penalty

How to File an RTI in India (2026)

A complete 6-step roadmap by Advocate Rajat Kaushik

  • 1

    Identify the Public Authority

    Decide which department holds the information. Central departments (Railways, Passports) go to the Central PIO. Local issues (Noida Authority, UP Police) go to the State PIO.

  • 2

    Draft Your Queries (Sec 6[1])

    Write your application on plain paper in English or Hindi. Be specific. Instead of asking “Why”, ask for “Certified copies of records” or “Action Taken Reports.”

    VakilDost Pro-Tip: Never ask for opinions. Only ask for information that exists in records.
  • 3

    Pay the Application Fee

    The standard fee is ₹10. Attach an IPO (Indian Postal Order) for offline filings, or pay via UPI/Net-banking for online filings.

    BPL (Below Poverty Line) = NO FEE
  • 4

    The 48-Hour Exception

    If the information you are seeking concerns the Life or Liberty of a person, the PIO is legally bound to provide it within 48 hours.

  • 5

    Submission via Speed Post

    If filing offline, always use Speed Post. The tracking receipt is your primary evidence of the “Date of Filing” for future appeals.

  • 6

    The 30-Day Clock

    The PIO must respond within 30 days. If they fail, or provide false info, you can file your First Appeal (Sec 19[1]) immediately.

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