Table of Contents
First Appeal Format under §19(1) — download (2026)
Quick Reply: First Appeal under §19(1) of the RTI Act. Free, within 30 days of PIO reply (or expiry of 30-day window). * Appellant name + complete address * Original RTI.
No statutory form for first appeal — use plain paper addressed to “The First Appellate Authority” of the same public authority. Format below works for any state.
What the form needs
- Appellant name + complete address
- Original RTI application no. + date
- PIO's name + designation + reply date (or “no reply received”)
- Specific grounds of appeal (cite §7(8), §10 severability, §8 misuse, etc.)
- Statement of facts
- Prayer (what the FAA should order)
- List of enclosures (RTI copy, PIO reply, payment proof)
- Date + signature
Where to submit
Hand-deliver to PIO office (FAA is usually senior officer there). Get receipt.
Fee
FREE under §19(1) — no fee allowed.
Timeline
30 days statutory (extendable to 45 with written reasons) under §19(6).
Tips + common mistakes
- No fee — this is a constitutional safeguard
- Within 30 days of PIO reply
- Address to “FAA” not by name (institution rolls)
- Be focused on grounds; don't re-write the original RTI
If submitted form is rejected / delayed — file an RTI
Forms get “lost”, “incomplete”, “wrong section” — RTI brings out the actual file noting and officer name, which usually resolves the issue within 15 days.
Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →
Related
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.