Maharashtra mandates “Form A” for state-RTI applications. Download from sic.maharashtra.gov.in. English + Marathi accepted.
Form A (state-prescribed)
Application can be in Marathi, Hindi, or English
Photo not required
Postal address mandatory
BPL exemption with card copy
Where to submit
sic.maharashtra.gov.in OR PIO of concerned PA.
Fee
Rs 10. Photocopy Rs 2/page.
Timeline
Tips + common mistakes
Marathi accepted + preferred for state PAs
Online filing at maharashtra.rtionline.gov.in
Postal accepted — DD payable to “Public Information Officer, [PA name]”
BPL: enclose ration card photocopy
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 →
When you submit any RTI-related form, ensure these fields are filled correctly:
Applicant name — exactly as on Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID
Postal address — for the PIO to send the reply by Speed Post
Phone + email — optional but recommended for clarification
Subject of request — one-line description (≤ 250 chars)
Specific records sought — itemised list, NOT free-form questions
Fee mode — IPO / court-fee / DD / online / BPL exemption
Date + signature — applicant's full signature with date
Severance + transfer clauses — quote §10(1), §10(2), §6(3) of RTI Act
Common rejection grounds at submission
Wrong state form — many states mandate their own Form A. Check your state's RTI Rules.
Fee not enclosed — non-acceptance memo. ALWAYS include the IPO / receipt.
No applicant signature — return memo. Sign with date.
Multiple subjects in one application — split into separate applications. PIOs can return composite applications.
Vague language — re-frame as “certified copy of [specific document]”, not “everything about my case”.
Citizen action steps if your application is rejected
Day 0 — file with proper IPO / fee + sign + date.
Day 30 — silence by PIO = deemed refusal under §7(2). File §19(1) First Appeal.
Day 60-90 — if FAA fails, escalate to State Information Commission under §19(3).
Use AI RTI Drafter (free, 60 seconds) to auto-generate the form with the correct fee + state form variant.
Citations and sources
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.