Common RTI Myths Busted — what you can and cannot ask (2026)

Common misconceptions about RTI deter citizens. This guide busts the top 15.

• RTI Act, 2005 §2(f) (information), §6, §8 (exemptions), §22 (override clause).

To:
The Public Information Officer (PIO),
[Office name + address].

Subject: RTI under §6 — Common query

Sir/Madam,

No template — see individual myths in body for the right framing of each query.

Yours faithfully,
[Name]
[Address + phone + email]
[Date]

• Refer to specific topic guides for actual escalation paths.

• Khanapuram Gandaiah (SC, 2010) — PIO not required to create new information.
• Aditya Bandopadhyay (SC, 2011) — Existing records ARE information.
• CBSE v. Aditya (SC, 2011) — Examination records disclosable.

• Asking 'why' instead of asking for the file noting.
• Asking 'is X true' instead of asking for the document on X.
• Asking for opinion / advice / interpretation.

No — Khanapuram Gandaiah holds RTI is for existing records, not opinions.

Yes — but excessive filing without genuine need can attract abuse-of-process bar in extreme cases.

No — any Indian citizen can file.

Application fee Rs. 10. BPL applicants exempt.

Limited by §8(1)(j) — only with genuine public interest.

• RTI form format
• File RTI online
• File RTI online — 12 steps
• RTI — 25 questions answered

• RTI Act, 2005 — full text.
• Citation chain in body.
• Citizen Charter of the relevant authority.
• Case-law database at /cases/search.

Last reviewed: 23 April 2026.