Online RTI Application

How can the guide help you?

The Nyaaya Guide on Online RTI Applications provides applicants with the steps to take when seeking information under the Right To Information Act, 2005. This guide summarises the processes involved in filing an RTI application online, appeals against certain authorities’ decisions, as well as complaint mechanisms for any online grievances. This guide also serves to inform citizens of their rights in seeking information from the central and state governments through their online portals.

What are the laws being discussed in the guide?

The Nyaaya Guide on Online RTI Applications explains the Right to Information Act, 2005, and the Right to Information Rules, 2012.

Resources

Contact Information

The Helpline and email address are for queries faced while filing the online RTI through the portal.

011-24622461 (9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday except for Public Holidays)
helprtionline-dopt@nic.in

The Helpline and email address are for queries faced while filing the online RTI through the portal.

011-24622461 (9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday except for Public Holidays)
helprtionline-dopt@nic.in

Checklists

Check whether the applicant is eligible to file an RTI depending on their citizenship and residency status.
Check whether the information required is exempt from disclosure for any reason whatsoever.
Check whether the applicant has addressed the RTI application to the correct public authority.
Check whether the applicant falls under the category of Below Poverty Line. If yes, such applicants are not required to pay application fees. If not, applicants are required to pay a fee of Rs. 10 with their application.
Check that the applicant adheres to the timeline for the online first and second appeal, if made.

Source of Information

Guideline

User Manual – Online RTI Application – https://rtionline.gov.in/um_citizen.pd

Right to Information Act, 2012

Right to Information Act, 2005

Important Links

RTI Sample Application Form – https://onlinerti.com/rti-forms/Center.pdf

RTI FAQs – https://rtionline.gov.in/faq.php

First Appeal Portal – https://rtionline.gov.in/

Second Appeal Information – https://cic.gov.in/second-appeal-guidelines

Will my RTI be more effective if I file it through a lawyer?

No, it does not make any difference. The PIO will still consider it as filed by you.

Can I go to an ordinary civil court if I have a problem with my RTI application?

No, all disputes should be resolved by the bodies created under this Act such as the officer in charge of an appeal in a public authority or a Central/State Information Commission.

Can a Public Information Officer release information belonging to third parties under the RTI Act?

If the RTI application you have made is in relation to confidential information belonging to a third party which was supplied to the public authority, the PIO has to follow certain steps.

The PIO has to send a notice to the third party within 5 days of getting the application.
The third party has 10 days to agree with or object to the PIO releasing its confidential information to you.

After giving the third party an opportunity to make its submissions, the PIO has to make a decision on whether to disclose the information to you within 40 days of receiving the application. The PIO will at the same time send a notice to the third party regarding her decision – the third party has the option to appeal against this decision.

What will happen if only a portion of the information I sought through the RTI Act, is exempted under the law? Will I get the non-exempted information?

If the information contained in the record can be separately provided (not containing the exempted information), then the public authority should give you the information in response to your request. For example, details regarding vendors for the purchase of defence equipment can be provided separately from details regarding the defence equipment being deployed during a conflict.

In such a case, the PIO has to give you a notice containing the following details:

Fact that only a portion of the records you asked for is being provided (the exempted information has been removed from the record)
Reasons for why this decision was made
Name and designation of the person who gave the decision
Details of fees to be paid and
Your right to review this decision (including details of the appellate authorities/ officers and fees to be paid).

What if someone is below the poverty line and cannot pay the RTI fees?

The person will not be required to pay and the information will be provided free of charge.

What will happen if a person with disabilities has sought information under the RTI law?

The PIO should take care to ensure that the information is provided in such a way that the person can access it. For example, if the applicant is blind, the PIO should deliver the information in Braille.

Is the Public Information Officer the only officer responsible for giving information under the RTI law?

While applications for information are made only to the PIO/APIO, every officer in the public authority has a duty to help the PIO/APIO if she asks for help. If she does not help, she can be held liable under this Act just like the PIO/ APIO.

To whom do you address your RTI application to?

You need to address the application to the Central/ State PIO or the Central/State APIO. The APIO can take 5 extra days to process the application.

Is it compulsory for a public authority to have a Public Information Officer(PIO)/Assistant PIO, per the RTI Act?

Yes, all public authorities must have a Public Information Officer (PIO) and an Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) for each of its offices. Depending on whether the public authority falls under the Central or State Government, the PIO will be called the Central PIO or the State PIO.

Central or State Assistant Public Information Officers were also appointed at the sub-divisional or sub-district level.