A reference note on the working of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in the State of Punjab. Readers relying on these rules for a live application, appeal, or complaint are advised to confirm against the Punjab Government Gazette or the Punjab State Information Commission website.

The Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) is constituted under Section 15 of the RTI Act, 2005, seated at Chandigarh. It hears second appeals under Section 19(3) and complaints under Section 18 concerning State public authorities.

• The Punjab Right to Information Rules, 2005 — the State rules on the form, fee, and procedure for filing.
• The Punjab State Information Commission (Appeal Procedure) Rules — procedure before the Commission.
• Official language of filing: Applications may be filed in Punjabi, Hindi, or English under Section 6(1) read with Article 350.

Application fees under the State rules are generally Rs 10 (confirm against the current notification). Copies are priced per page as prescribed. BPL applicants produce a valid certificate for exemption. Payment methods include Indian Postal Order, demand draft, and cash at the counter.

For State departments (Revenue, Home, Rural Development, Agriculture, Local Government), file with the Public Information Officer of the concerned department. For Central Government bodies operating in Punjab, use rtionline.gov.in. See How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step.

The Punjab RTI Rules have been amended since 2005 by State notification. Confirm the current text against the Punjab Government Gazette or the Commission's website before filing.

• 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.
• Why RTI Applications Get Rejected — and How to Avoid It.

1. The Right to Information Act, 2005 (No. 22 of 2005), Sections 15 and 27.
2. The Punjab Right to Information Rules, 2005.
3. The Punjab State Information Commission (Appeal Procedure) Rules.

19 April 2026