Table of Contents
Section 27 — Power to Make Rules by Appropriate Government
In one line: Section 27 is the rule-making power of the Central and State Governments — they make rules on fee, application form, appeal procedure, and Information Commissioners' conditions of service. The 2019 amendment expanded 27 to include IC tenure and salary rule-making.
Key points
- Original Section 27 — fees, forms, appeal procedure, other matters.
- 2019 amendment expanded — now also covers term of office and conditions of service of CIC/SIC Commissioners.
- Rules made: Central RTI Fees Rules 2005, RTI Rules 2012 (inspection), RTI Rules 2019 (Commissioner tenure).
Legislative history
- 2005 — Original Section 27 framed.
- 24 October 2019 — RTI (Amendment) Act expanded Section 27 to include IC tenure.
- 2019 — RTI Rules, 2019 notified under expanded Section 27.
Rulings and references
- Anjali Bhardwaj v. UoI, (2020) — held the 2019 amendment constitutional but imposed procedural safeguards.
- Namit Sharma, (2013) 1 SCC 745 — earlier interpretation of Section 27's scope.
Practical note
When challenging a State fee or procedure that deviates from Central norms, check the State's Section 27 rules. If the State rule is inconsistent with a Central rule on a matter within Central competence, Article 254 inconsistency may apply.
Call to action
For drafting RTIs or appeals engaging this section, use the First RTI template or the First Appeal template. See How to fill an RTI application for structural help.
Related
Sources
- Right to Information Act, 2005, Section 27.
- RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 (where applicable).
- DPDP Rules, 2025, notified 14 November 2025 (where applicable).
- Department of Personnel and Training, Guide on the RTI Act, 2005.
Last reviewed on: 21 April 2026