Right to Information Wiki

Q: What is the Right to Information Act, 2005?

The RTI Act, 2005 gives every citizen of India the right to request information held by a public authority. It replaces the 1923 Official Secrets Act culture of default secrecy with default disclosure.

Q: Who can file an RTI?

Only a citizen of India may file an RTI application under Section 3. Companies, NGOs, and foreign nationals cannot file under the Act.

Q: How long does the PIO have to reply?

Thirty days from receipt under Section 7(1). Forty-eight hours for life or liberty. Forty days for third-party matters under Section 11.

Q: What is the fee?

Rs 10 for the Central Government. First appeal is free. Copies cost Rs 2 per page. BPL applicants pay no fee.

Q: What changed about Section 8(1)(j) on 14 November 2025?

The DPDP Rules, 2025 substituted Section 8(1)(j) via Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act, 2023. The public-interest override now runs only through Section 8(2).

Q: My RTI was rejected. What do I do?

File a first appeal under Section 19(1) within thirty days. No fee at the Central Government level.

Q: What if the first appeal is rejected?

File a second appeal under Section 19(3) to the Central Information Commission within ninety days.

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