Table of Contents
Section 18 Complaint Form — Information Commission (2026)
§18 complaint is separate from §19 appeals. Use it when the issue is institutional, not just one denied RTI.
What the form needs
- Complainant name + address
- Public authority complained against
- Specific failures alleged (cite section: §4, §5, etc.)
- Pattern of non-compliance with dates
- Documentary evidence
- Reliefs sought (compliance order + penalty)
- Date + signature
Where to submit
IC office (CIC for central, SIC for state PAs).
Fee
FREE under §18.
Timeline
IC convenes inquiry. Can take 6-18 months.
Tips + common mistakes
- §18 complains about INSTITUTION; §19 appeals SPECIFIC RTI
- Both can run in parallel
- IC has §18(2) summon power for evidence
- Complaints often catalyze policy change
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.