All 47 CIC FAQs — Second Appeal and Complaint Guide

All 47 CIC FAQs — Second Appeal and Complaint Guide

These are all 47 official questions from cic.gov.in rewritten as plain-English guides. Questions with links have full citizen-first articles. Others carry the official answer plus a “coming soon” note.

RTI basics (CIC FAQ Q1–Q7)

Q1: What is “right to information”? Access to information held by public authorities — documents, samples, electronic data. Coming soon: RTI basics guide.
Q2: What type of information can I get? Any material in any form — records, memos, emails, contracts, models. Coming soon.
Q3: Who can seek information? Any Indian citizen. Coming soon.
Q4: In which language can I apply? English, Hindi, or official language of the area. Coming soon.
Q5: How to make an application? Written request to CPIO or online at rtionline.gov.in. See: AI RTI Drafter
Q6: Are any public authorities exempt? Intelligence/security bodies in the Second Schedule are exempt, except corruption and human rights. Coming soon.
Q7: Address for RTI to CIC itself? CPIO, Ground Floor, CIC Bhawan, Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi-110067. Coming soon.

Filing a complaint or second appeal (Q8–Q22)

Q8: Can I file a complaint directly with CIC? Yes, on grounds under §18. Full guide: Complaint vs Second Appeal at CIC
Q9: Time limit for complaint? No specific limit; file within reasonable time. Full guide: Complaint vs Second Appeal
Q10: When can I approach CIC for second appeal? After FAA decision or 45-day FAA non-decision. Full guide: Second Appeal explained
Q11: Difference between appeal and complaint? Full guide: Complaint vs Second Appeal — definitive guide
Q12: Fee for second appeal/complaint? No fee. Full guide: RTI appeal is free — all fee details
Q13: How many copies required? One copy with proof of service on CPIO and FAA. Coming soon.
Q14: Is there a prescribed format? Yes — appellant details, CPIO info, FAA info, facts, relief sought, grounds, verification. Coming soon.
Q15: Time limit for second appeal? 90 days. Full guide: 90-day limit and delay condonation
Q16: Documents required with second appeal? RTI application copy, CPIO reply, first appeal, FAA order, supporting documents, index. Coming soon.
Q17: Can second appeal be filed electronically? Yes, via cic.gov.in with self-attested scanned documents. Coming soon.
Q18: Must first appeal precede second appeal? Yes. Cases without first appeals are returned. Full guide: First appeal guide
Q19: Condonation of delay required for late second appeal? Yes, must be explicitly requested. Full guide: Condonation of delay guide
Q20: Can CIC admit appeal after 90 days? Yes, with sufficient cause shown. Full guide: Condonation of delay guide
Q21: What happens after receipt of appeal/complaint? Dak registration, classification, scrutiny, case number assignment, allocation or return for deficiency. Coming soon.
Q22: Must documents be signed/self-attested? Yes — all physical and online submissions. Coming soon.

Hearings and procedure (Q23–Q29)

Q23: Must appellant attend in person? Optional — attend personally or through authorised representative. Coming soon.
Q24: How long does CIC take to decide? Chronological order; priority per CIC orders; cause list on website. Coming soon.
Q25: Video conferencing available? Yes, at most district NIC headquarters. Coming soon.
Q26: Can I get priority hearing? CIC may accord priority based on specific circumstances. Coming soon.
Q27: Who bears burden of proof? Full guide: CPIO bears burden under §19(5)
Q28: Am I entitled to hearing before decision? Yes. Coming soon.
Q29: Is CIC decision binding? Yes, under RTI Act 2005, §19(7). Coming soon.

Jurisdiction (Q30, Q40)

Q30: Which public authorities does CIC cover? Full guide: CIC jurisdiction explained
Q40: Does CIC have jurisdiction over SICs? No. Full guide: CIC vs SIC jurisdiction

Penalties and compensation (Q31–Q36)

Q31: Is complainant entitled to hearing in penalty proceedings? No. See: CIC penalty guide
Q32: Can CIC compensate me for loss? Yes, under §19(8)(b). Full guide: CIC penalty and compensation
Q33: Is CPIO entitled to hearing before penalty? Yes. Full guide: CPIO penalty procedure
Q34: Can CIC impose penalty? Yes — ₹250/day up to ₹25,000. Full guide: How CIC penalty works
Q35: Can CIC review its own orders? No. Full guide: CIC cannot review its own orders
Q36: Can CIC recommend disciplinary action? Yes. See: CIC penalty and discipline guide

Implementation and administration (Q37–Q47)

Q37: How is disposal of case conveyed? Formal written order, free to parties, uploaded on CIC website. Coming soon.
Q38: Can third-party confidential information be disclosed? Full guide: Third-party information under RTI
Q39: Record retention policy? Six months from disposal. Coming soon.
Q41: Work distribution among CIC commissioners? Available on cic.gov.in. Coming soon.
Q42: Facilitation Desk? Ground Floor, CIC Bhawan, 0930-1800 hrs. Coming soon.
Q43: Composition of CIC? Chief IC + up to 10 ICs. Coming soon.
Q44: SMS and email alerts? Yes, if mobile/email provided with application. Coming soon.
Q45: Helpline number? 011-26183053. Coming soon.
Q46: CIC office location? CIC Bhawan, Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi-110067. Coming soon.
Q47: Cash payment accepted? Yes, under RTI Rule 2012. Coming soon.

Quick access tools

First Appeal Builder — complete your first appeal before approaching CIC
PIO Reply Checker — assess CPIO response
AI RTI Drafter — for your original application
Back to FAQ Master Index
Central Information Commission — file online

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