A reference note on the working of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in Jharkhand. Where the State position differs from the Central rules, the State practice is noted. Readers who rely on these rules for a live application, appeal, or complaint are advised to confirm against the official Jharkhand Government Gazette or the Jharkhand State Information Commission before filing.

The Jharkhand State Information Commission is the authority constituted under Section 15 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 for Jharkhand. It hears second appeals under Section 19(3) and complaints under Section 18 relating to public authorities under the Government of Jharkhand.

• The Right to Information Act, 2005 — the Central Act applies across India, including in Jharkhand.
• State rules under Section 27 of the Act — Jharkhand has notified its own rules covering the form of application, fees, and procedure before public authorities. Confirm the exact title and latest amendment against the current Gazette.
• Second-appeal procedure rules — procedure before the State Information Commission for second appeals under Section 19(3) and complaints under Section 18.

Application fees in Jharkhand are typically Rs 10 per application. BPL applicants are exempt on production of a valid ration card or certificate. Copies of records are charged per page at the rate specified in the rules. The fee may be paid by Indian Postal Order, demand draft, cash at the PIO's counter, or through the online portal where available. Confirm the current fee against the latest State notification, as figures may have been revised.

Applications to State departments are filed at Ranchi or the district collectorate, either by post or at the PIO's counter. Some departments accept applications online through the State Government portal. For Central Government offices, use the Central online portal.

See How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step for the Central online procedure, and Why RTI Applications Get Rejected for drafting pitfalls to avoid.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, notified on 14 November 2025, substituted the text of Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005. The substitution applies uniformly across all States and Union Territories. The public-interest override under Section 8(2) is unchanged. For the practical effect on PIO replies, see Section 8(1)(j) after the DPDP Rules, 2025 and DPDP Act vs RTI — the 2026 position.

Rules, fee figures, and procedural timelines in Jharkhand may have been revised by State notification since their original issue. Always confirm the current text against the Government of Jharkhand website and the Jharkhand State Information Commission notices.

• RTI Rules — Central, State, and Commission rules.
• The Right to Information Act, 2005 — current text.
• How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step.
• The Digital RTI, 2026 — State-by-State online RTI.
• Why RTI Applications Get Rejected — and How to Avoid It.
• Guide for applicants.
• DPDP Act vs RTI — the 2026 position.

1. The Right to Information Act, 2005 (No. 22 of 2005), Sections 15 and 27.
2. The State rules notified by the Government of Jharkhand under Section 27 of the Act.
3. The Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 (notified 14 November 2025).

20 April 2026