To file a Right to Information (RTI) application in India, follow these steps:
- Determine the Appropriate Public Authority:
Identify the government department or agency that possesses the information you seek. Make sure the information is held by a public authority under the ambit of the RTI Act, 2005. - Prepare the Application:
Write your application in a concise and specific manner. Include the following details:
a. Your name and complete postal address.
b. The name of the concerned public authority.
c. A clear and precise statement of the information you are seeking. It is crucial to be specific to avoid any ambiguity.
d. The preferred mode of receiving the information, such as a physical copy or email.
e. Any additional details required to assist the public authority in locating the information, such as relevant dates, department, or file numbers (if known).
f. Your signature (in physical applications) or a digital signature (in online applications). - Payment of Fees:
Determine the applicable fee for your RTI application. The fee may vary based on the state and the nature of the information requested. Fees can typically be paid through various modes, such as cash, demand draft, or online payment. Make sure to check the official website of the concerned public authority for the exact fee structure. - Submitting the Application:
You have multiple options for submitting your RTI application: a. Online Application: Many public authorities now provide online portals for filing RTI applications. Visit the official website of the concerned public authority and look for the RTI section or online RTI application link. Fill in the required details, attach any supporting documents (if applicable), and submit the application online. b. Physical Application: If an online option is not available, you can submit a physical application. Prepare a hard copy of your application on a plain paper or use the prescribed format, if any. Attach the necessary supporting documents and make sure to keep a copy of the application for your records. Submit the application by hand, post, or courier to the designated address of the public authority. - Acknowledgment and Tracking:
After submitting your RTI application, you should receive an acknowledgment from the public authority. The acknowledgment serves as proof of submission and contains a unique registration number. Keep this acknowledgment safe, as it will be required for any future communication or appeal regarding your application. Additionally, some public authorities provide online tracking facilities where you can monitor the status of your application using the registration number. - Processing and Response:
The public authority is required to respond to your RTI application within 30 days from the date of receipt. If the information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, the response must be provided within 48 hours. The response may take one of the following forms: a. Provision of Information: If the requested information is available and can be disclosed, the public authority will provide it in the requested format (physical or digital). b. Partial Disclosure: In certain cases, the public authority may provide only a portion of the requested information while withholding the rest, citing valid exemptions under the RTI Act. c. Refusal of Information: If the public authority determines that the requested information falls under exempted categories or is not held by them, they may refuse to provide the information. In such cases, they must provide a valid reason for the refusal. d. No Response: If the public authority fails to respond within the specified time frame, it is considered a deemed refusal. In such cases, you can proceed with an appeal. - Appeal Mechanism:
If you are dissatisfied with the response or if your application was deemed refused, you can file an appeal with a higher authority. The first appeal should be made within 30 days from the date of receiving the response or the expiry of the 30-day period. If the first appeal is also rejected or not responded to, a second appeal can be made to the relevant Information Commission within 90 days from the date of the first appeal’s decision or the expiry of the 45-day period.
It is important to note that the process and procedures may slightly vary across different states and public authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the official website of the respective public authority or consult the relevant state or central RTI rules for precise instructions and guidelines.