Table of Contents

RTI vs Lokpal/Lokayukta — when to use which?

⚠️ DPDP Rules, 2025 (14 Nov 2025) amended Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act — public-interest override now under Section 8(2). Read the note →

· 2026/04/19 05:02

TL;DR. RTI gets the information. Lokpal/Lokayukta investigates the corruption. Many citizens confuse them. Use RTI to gather facts → use Lokpal/Lokayukta if those facts evidence corruption by a public servant.

Compared

Aspect RTI Lokpal/Lokayukta
Statutory basis RTI Act 2005 Lokpal Act 2013 / state Lokayukta Acts
Goal Information Corruption investigation
Cost Rs 10 Free
Outcome Documents, file location, decision rationale Investigation, FIR, prosecution
Reply timeline 30 days “reasonable time”
Penalty teeth Rs 250/day on PIO Criminal prosecution against public servant

Hybrid

Use RTI to gather facts about a suspect transaction or selection process. If facts show corruption, file a Lokayukta complaint with the RTI documents as annexures. Documentary evidence strengthens Lokayukta cases significantly.

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.

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