Getting Started with RTI: Your Complete Guide to Filing Information Requests

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Welcome to RTI Blog Help Center!

Our Help Center provides comprehensive guidance for filing Right to Information requests, appealing denials, and navigating India’s transparency landscape. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an experienced transparency advocate, you’ll find practical tools and strategies to make information access a reality.

Quick Start Guide for New RTI Applicants

  1. Identify the Right Authority: Determine which government department holds the information you need
  2. Draft Your Application: Write a clear, specific request using our templates and examples
  3. Submit Properly: Follow correct submission procedures to avoid technicality-based rejections
  4. Track Your Request: Monitor response timelines and prepare for potential denials or delays

Essential RTI Filing Requirements

Basic Information Required:

  • Your Identity: Full name and address (photo ID copy recommended)
  • Information Sought: Specific, clear description of what you want to know
  • Authority Selection: Correct public authority that likely holds the information
  • Fee Payment: ₹10 application fee (waived for Below Poverty Line applicants)

Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Vague or overly broad information requests
  • Filing with wrong government department
  • Missing application fee or incorrect fee amount
  • Requesting “files” instead of specific information
  • Not maintaining proof of submission

RTI Application Template

Subject: Application under Right to Information Act, 2005

To: The Public Information Officer
[Department Name and Address]

Dear Sir/Madam,

Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, I request the following information:

  1. [Specific information item 1]
  2. [Specific information item 2]
  3. [Specific information item 3]

This information is sought in the public interest for [brief justification if needed]. Please provide the information within the statutory time limit of 30 days.

Application fee of ₹10 is enclosed/transferred [mention mode of payment].

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

Understanding Response Types

Possible Government Responses:

  • Full Disclosure: Complete information provided (success!)
  • Partial Disclosure: Some information given, some denied with reasons
  • Complete Denial: All information refused with exemption citations
  • Transfer: Application moved to correct authority
  • No Response: Silence beyond 30 days (deemed denial)

When Information is Denied

Common Denial Grounds:

  • Section 8(1)(a): Security and sovereignty exemptions
  • Section 8(1)(d): Commercial confidence claims
  • Section 8(1)(g): Endangering life or physical safety
  • Section 8(1)(j): Personal information protection
  • Section 24: Organizations exempt from RTI Act

Your Options After Denial:

  1. First Appeal: File within 30 days to First Appellate Authority
  2. Second Appeal: Approach Information Commission if first appeal fails
  3. Legal Challenge: Constitutional court challenge for systematic failures
  4. Documentation: Report denial patterns to advocacy organizations

Need Specific Help?

Common RTI Topics We Cover:

  • Healthcare transparency and medical institution accountability
  • Environmental clearances and pollution monitoring data
  • Educational institution finances and administration
  • Government procurement and contract information
  • Municipal services and local governance
  • Police and security agency accountability

If you’re facing systematic denials or need legal guidance:

  • Email: legal@rtiblog.in
  • RTI Helpline: Available Monday-Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Legal Consultation: Free initial consultation for denied RTI applicants

Additional Resources

Remember: Information is your right, not a privilege. Every denial should be questioned, every delay should be challenged, and every success should be celebrated as a victory for democratic transparency.

This guide is regularly updated based on latest legal developments and user feedback. Last updated: November 2024