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+{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(rti myths, rti misconceptions, rti faq, rti dos donts, rti reality check)
+metatag-description=(Top 15 myths about RTI — what you CAN ask, what you CANNOT, and the reality. Citizen handbook (2026).)
+metatag-title=(Common RTI Myths Busted — what you can and cannot ask (2026))}}
+====== Common RTI Myths Busted — what you can and cannot ask (2026) ======
+{{ :social:auto:rti-myths.png?direct&1200 |Common RTI Myths Busted — what you can and cannot ask (2026)}}
+{{page>snippets:dpdp-banner}}
+<WRAP info>
+Common misconceptions about RTI deter citizens.
+</WRAP>
+===== Why this RTI works =====
+Common misconceptions about RTI deter citizens. This guide busts the top 15.
+===== Legal framework =====
+  * **RTI Act, 2005** §2(f) (information), §6, §8 (exemptions), §22 (override clause).
+===== RTI template — copy & file =====
+<code>
+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]
+</code>
+===== Escalation timeline =====
+  * Refer to specific topic guides for actual escalation paths.
+===== Case law anchors =====
+  * **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.
+===== Common mistakes =====
+  * 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.
+===== Frequently asked questions =====
+==== Can I ask for opinions? ====
+No — Khanapuram Gandaiah holds RTI is for existing records, not opinions.
+==== Can I file as many RTIs as I want? ====
+Yes — but excessive filing without genuine need can attract abuse-of-process bar in extreme cases.
+==== Must I be a journalist? ====
+No — any Indian citizen can file.
+==== Is RTI free? ====
+Application fee Rs. 10. BPL applicants exempt.
+==== Can I ask about another person? ====
+Limited by §8(1)(j) — only with genuine public interest.
+===== Related reading =====
+  * [[:rti-form-format|RTI form format]]
+  * [[:file-rti-online-india|File RTI online]]
+  * [[:file-rti-online-india|File RTI online — 12 steps]]
+  * [[:faq|RTI — 25 questions answered]]
+===== Sources =====
+  * RTI Act, 2005 — full text.
+  * Citation chain in body.
+  * Citizen Charter of the relevant authority.
+  * Case-law database at [[:cases:search|/cases/search]].
+//Last reviewed: 23 April 2026.// {{tag>rti myths citizen-handbook tier-3 2026}}

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