Ask the government for information (RTI)

General information, not legal advice. This guide explains the usual steps in plain words. Every case has its own facts, and the law and the rules change. For a serious matter, speak to a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, you may get one free: call 15100. Last checked November 2026.

Any citizen can ask any government office for records. Rs 10, no reason needed, answer within 30 days.

What to do, step by step

1. Find which government office holds the record. Look for its Public Information Officer (PIO).
2. Write a short application, in English, Hindi or the local language, saying exactly what you want: file numbers, dates, a list of numbered questions. You do not have to give a reason.
3. Pay the fee: Rs 10 for Central government offices (Indian postal order, demand draft, court fee stamp or online). States set their own fee. People below the poverty line pay nothing.
4. For Central ministries and departments you can apply online at rtionline.gov.in. State offices usually have their own state portal.
5. The PIO must reply within 30 days, or within 48 hours if the information concerns someone's life or liberty.
6. If there is no answer, a refusal, or a wrong answer, file a first appeal to the senior officer named by the office, within 30 days. No fee at the Centre.
7. If still not satisfied, file a second appeal to the Central or State Information Commission within 90 days.

Where to go

• RTI Online, Central government
• Central Information Commission
• Your state RTI portal or State Information Commission

What to carry

• Application, fee proof and a postal address for the reply
• BPL certificate if claiming fee exemption

Time limits

• 30 days for the PIO to reply (48 hours for life or liberty).
• 30 days to file the first appeal.
• The appellate authority decides in 30 days, up to 45.
• 90 days for the second appeal.

What the law says

• Right to Information Act 2005, section 6 (application), 7 (time), 8 (exemptions), 19 (appeals), 20 (penalty)
• The PIO can be fined Rs 250 a day, up to Rs 25,000, for delay or wrongful refusal without reasonable cause.

If it does not work

• Second appeal or a complaint to the Information Commission.
• Some information is exempt, such as that which threatens national security or personal privacy without public interest.

Free help

• Many NGOs help with drafting RTI applications for free. Legal aid cannot normally be used for RTI, but the DLSA can guide you.

Sources

• Right to Information Act 2005
• RTI Online portal

Section numbers are from the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other Acts, with the old number in square brackets. For events before 1 July 2024 the old law (CrPC, IPC) applies. Spotted a mistake? Corrections are welcome.