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RTI Act in different languages — translations + downloads
Quick Reply: The English RTI Act text on IndiaCode is binding; Hindi comes from DoPT and the CIC; state-language versions sit on each SIC portal.
The binding text of the Right to Information Act, 2005 is the English original as published on IndiaCode. Hindi is the authoritative official-language text, and translations in the other scheduled languages are published by the state information commissions and DoPT as accessibility aids. This page lists where to find each version from authoritative sources.
English (binding)
- RTI Act, 2005 — IndiaCode — official current text with all amendments (including DPDP §44(3) effective 14 November 2025).
Hindi
- The Central Information Commission (cic.gov.in) hosts the Hindi text of the central RTI Act; DoPT (dopt.gov.in) publishes the Guide to the RTI Act and its Office Memorandums.
- State Information Commissions of Hindi-speaking states (UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand) host their state RTI Rules in Hindi.
Marathi
- Maharashtra State Information Commission, sic.maharashtra.gov.in — Marathi translation + Maharashtra RTI Rules 2005.
Tamil
- Tamil Nadu State Information Commission — Tamil translation of the central Act + state rules.
Telugu
- Andhra Pradesh + Telangana State Information Commissions — Telugu translation, state-specific rules.
Bengali
- West Bengal Information Commission, wbric.gov.in — Bengali translation + WB RTI Rules 2006.
Kannada
- Karnataka SIC — Kannada translation of central Act + state-specific rules.
Gujarati
- Gujarat State Information Commission — Gujarati translation of central Act + state rules.
Punjabi
- Punjab State Information Commission — Punjabi translation + Punjab RTI Rules.
Other scheduled languages
The Act has also been translated into Malayalam, Odia, Assamese, Manipuri, Konkani, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Sanskrit, Nepali, Bodo, Maithili, Santhali, Dogri, and Urdu — typically hosted on respective state SIC portals or DoPT.
Filing an RTI in your local language
- Most state PIOs accept RTI applications in the state's official language + Hindi + English.
- Cite the relevant state RTI Rules — they specify accepted languages.
- Use AwaazRTI (free voice tool) — supports 11 Indian languages with English translation for the PIO if needed.
Translation does NOT change the binding text
- For any legal question (e.g., interpretation of §8(1)(j) post-DPDP), the English text on IndiaCode is binding.
- State translations are for accessibility, not authoritative interpretation.
- In any §19 appeal or High Court writ, the English text governs.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I file my RTI application in my own state language? Yes. Section 6(1) lets you apply in English, Hindi or the official language of the area in which you live. The PIO cannot reject an application only because it is not in English.
- Which text governs if a translation says something different? The English text on IndiaCode. A translation is an accessibility aid; in any Section 19 appeal or High Court writ, the English text governs.
- Does the PIO have to answer in my language? The Act does not force the reply language; the answer follows the office's working language. If you cannot read it, ask a second question citing Section 6(1) and request the key records themselves.
Citations and sources
- Right to Information Act, 2005 — full text + commentary on RTI Wiki
- Constitution of India — Eighth Schedule (22 scheduled languages)
- State Information Commission portals — listed at state RTI rules
