Author: Rakesh Kr. Chaurasiya
Introduction
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 has emerged as a powerful tool for citizens to promote transparency and accountability in governance. By allowing citizens to request information from public authorities, the RTI Act has fundamentally transformed the relationship between the government and the governed, making public officials more accountable for their actions and decisions. Since its implementation on October 12, 2005, millions of RTI applications have been filed across India, leading to numerous instances of corruption exposure, policy improvements, and citizen empowerment. Whether you’re a journalist investigating a story, an activist seeking data on public expenditure, or simply a concerned citizen wanting information about your pension status – the RTI Act gives you the legal right to demand and receive information.
What is an RTI Application?
An RTI application is a formal request submitted by a citizen to a public authority seeking specific information under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It serves as the primary instrument through which the constitutional right to information (derived from Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution) is exercised in practice.
- The Essance of Right to Information:
The Right to Information (RTI) is not a privilege, it is a statutory right available to every Indian citizen. Enacted under the RTI Act, 2005, these right permits individuals to request information from any public authority—including ministries, departments,
- Identify the Public Authority:
Before drafting an application, you must identify the appropriate department or agency that holds the information. This step ensures that your query reaches the correct Public Information Officer (PIO) and avoids delay. If filed with the wrong department, the PIO is required under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act to transfer the request to the competent authority within five working days.
Purpose of an RTI Request
RTI applications can be used to:
- Obtain copies of government documents, records, and files
- Request inspection of public works
- Seek certified samples of materials used in public projects
- Get status updates on applications, services, or complaints
- Obtain information about decisions affecting the public
- Access information about disbursement of government funds
Who Can File an RTI Application?
Any citizen of India can file an RTI application. There are no restrictions based on:
- Age (even minors can file)
- Educational qualifications
- Economic status
- Geographic location within India
Foreign nationals, however, cannot file RTI applications. Corporate bodies, associations, and NGOs registered in India can file RTI through their authorized representatives who are Indian citizens.
Where Can RTIs Be Filed?
RTI applications can be filed with:
- Central Government bodies – All ministries, departments, public sector undertakings, constitutional bodies, and organizations owned, controlled, or substantially financed by the Central Government
- State Government bodies – State departments, boards, universities, public sector undertakings, and organizations controlled or financed by state governments
- Local bodies – Municipal corporations, panchayats, and other local self-government institutions
- Non-governmental organizations – NGOs and private bodies substantially financed directly or indirectly by government funds
Key Components of an RTI Application Format
A properly formatted RTI application must contain the following elements:
1. Addressee Details
- Name and designation of the Public Information Officer (PIO)
- Complete postal address of the public authority
2. Subject Line
- Clear indication that it is an application under the RTI Act, 2005
- Brief subject matter of the information sought
3. Applicant Details
- Full name of the applicant
- Complete postal address for communication
- Contact details (optional but recommended: phone number and email)
4. Information Request
- Clearly articulated questions or information points
- Specific time period for which information is sought
- Precise department/section from which information is needed
5. Declaration of Citizenship
- A simple statement declaring Indian citizenship (this is a legal requirement)
6. Application Fee Details
- Mode of payment (postal order/demand draft/banker’s check/cash/online payment)
- Reference number of payment instrument
- Amount paid
7. Date and Signature
- Place and date of application
- Original signature of the applicant
8. Annexures (if any)
- List of supporting documents attached
- Proof of Below Poverty Line status (if applicable for fee exemption)
Standard RTI Application Format (English)
Here’s a standard format for an RTI application that can be adapted for various information requests:
To,
The Public Information Officer
[Department/Organization Name]
[Complete Address]
Subject: Application under Right to Information Act, 2005
Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Full Name], a citizen of India, would like to obtain the following information under the Right to Information Act, 2005:
1. [Clearly state your first question or information request]
2. [Second question/request]
3. [Third question/request]
…and so, on
The information sought pertains to the period from [start date] to [end date].
I am enclosing an application fee of Rs. 10/- via [mode of payment: postal order/demand draft/court fee stamp/cash receipt/online payment] bearing number [reference number if applicable].
I hereby declare that I am a citizen of India.
Please provide the requested information within 30 days as specified under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, 2005.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
[Complete Postal Address]
[Contact Number – Optional]
[Email Address – Optional]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Place: [Your City]
Enclosures:
1. Fee payment proof
2. [Any other documents, if applicable]
How to Submit Your RTI Application
RTI applications can be submitted through both offline and online methods:
Offline Submission
- In-Person Delivery:
- Visit the concerned public authority during office hours
- Submit your application at the RTI cell or to the designated PIO
- Obtain a receipt/acknowledgment with date stamp and reference number
- Pay the application fee in cash and collect receipt
- Postal Method:
- Send your application via registered post/speed post with acknowledgment due
- Address it to “The Public Information Officer” of the relevant department
- Include application fee as postal order/demand draft
- Retain the postal receipt and tracking number
Online Submission
- Central Government RTI Online Portal:
- Visit https://rtionline.gov.in/
- Register as a user or log in if already registered
- Select the ministry/department from the dropdown menu
- Fill in the required details in the online form
- Pay the fee online (Rs. 10) via internet banking, credit/debit card, or UPI
- Note down the registration number for future reference
- State-Specific RTI Portals:
- Several states have their own RTI portals (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, etc.)
- The process is similar to the central portal
- Fee payment methods may vary by state
Payment Methods
- For Postal Applications:
- Indian Postal Order (IPO)
- Demand Draft
- Banker’s Check
- Court Fee Stamp (accepted in some states)
- Cash (if submitting in person)
- For Online Applications:
- Internet Banking
- Credit/Debit Card
- UPI Payment
- SBI Pay/NTRP Portal
Statutory Timeframes Under Section 7
| Situation | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Normal applications | 30 days from receipt |
| Applications involving third-party information | 40 days from receipt |
| Information concerning life or liberty | 48 hours from receipt |
| Applications transferred from one PIO to another | 30 days + 5 days for transfer |
Post-Filing Process
- Application Receipt: You should receive an acknowledgment or registration number either immediately (for online/in-person submissions) or within 7-10 days (for postal submissions).
- Processing Period: The PIO examines your request, collects the required information from relevant departments, and assesses if any exemptions under Section 8 apply.
- Possible Outcomes:
- Information Provided: Complete information as requested
- Partial Information: Some information provided, some denied with reasons
- Information Denied: Complete denial with specific reasons citing applicable exemptions
- Additional Fee Request: If information is voluminous, you may be asked to pay additional fees
- Transfer Notification: Information that your application has been transferred to another authority
- Additional Fee Payment: If required, you must pay the additional fee within 30 days, after which the clock restarts for the PIO to provide information.
Application Fee and Payment Methods
Central Government Fee Structure
| Category | Amount | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | Rs. 10 | All applications |
| Information Cost | Rs. 2 per page | Photocopies of documents |
| Inspection | Free for first hour, Rs. 5 for each subsequent hour | Physical inspection of records |
| CD/DVD | Rs. 50 per CD/DVD | Information in electronic format |
| Printed Publications | Actual price of publication | Printed material or books |
State-Specific Variations
Fee structures may vary across states. For example:
- Maharashtra: Rs. 10 application fees
- Tamil Nadu: Rs. 10 application fees
- Karnataka: Rs. 10 application fees
- Gujarat: Rs. 20 application fees
Appeal Process if Information is Denied or Not Received
- First Appeal (Section 19(1)):
- File with the First Appellate Authority (usually an officer senior to the PIO)
- Must be filed within 30 days of receiving the PIO’s response or after the 30-day deadline
- No fee is required for filing a first appeal
- Decision must be provided within 30-45 days
- Second Appeal (Section 19(3)):
- File with the Central/State Information Commission
- Must be filed within 90 days of receiving the First Appellate Authority’s decision
- No fee is required for filing a second appeal
- Format available on respective Information Commission websites
- Complaint to Information Commission (Section 18):
- Can be filed directly if the PIO refuses to accept your application
- Applicable if the PIO does not respond at all
- Can be filed for other grievances like overcharging of fees
Useful Resources
Central Government RTI Portal: https://rtionline.gov.in
Central Information Commission: https://cic.gov.in
Directory of State PIOs & Rules: https://rti.gov.in
Conclusion
The RTI application is more than just a form—it’s a constitutional instrument that empowers citizens to participate in democratic governance. When used responsibly and effectively, it can bring about significant transparency and accountability in public administration. Filing an RTI application is not a legal labyrinth—it is a constitutionally guaranteed right, and every citizen must be empowered to use it. By following this step-by-step guide, you can become an active participant in India’s governance process. Whether it’s holding authorities accountable, resolving disputes, or seeking clarity in public processes, the RTI Act is your legal torch in the dark corridors of bureaucracy.
With the format and guidelines provided in this article, you now have the knowledge to draft and submit effective RTI applications. Whether you’re seeking information about government policies, public expenditure, or services you’re entitled to, the RTI Act ensures that information flows freely from public authorities to citizens—the true sovereigns in a democracy.
References
- Blend, L. (2025, April 23). RTI Application Format: How to File an RTI in India with Step-by-Step Sample. Law Blend. https://lawblend.com/articles/rti-application-format/
- – How to file a RTI application | RTI Foundation of India. (n.d.). https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com/how-file-rti-application-2
- Gandhi, A. A. (2025, September 3). How to File an RTI Application: Step-by-Step process for citizens seeking transparency. Dr. Abhishek Gandhi. https://advocategandhi.com/how-to-file-an-rti-application-step-by-step-process-for-citizens-seeking-transparency/
- Khyati. (2025, June 10). How to file an RTI (Right to Information) Application in India: A Step-by-Step Guide. Law by Khyati. https://www.lawbykhyati.in/article/how-to-file-an-rti-right-to-information-application-in-india-a-step-by-step-guide
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