• 16(1), (2), (5) substituted in 2019 — term and salary as prescribed by the Central Government.
• Current rules: RTI Rules, 2019 — 3-year term, State Secretary-level salary.

• 2005 — Original Section 16: fixed 5-year term.
• 24 October 2019 — 2019 Amendment substituted 16(1), 16(2), 16(5).

• See Anjali Bhardwaj, (2020) 11 SCC 345 discussion on Section 16.

The States tried to retain longer tenures under their own State Rules; the Centre's rules prevail per Article 254 inconsistency doctrine.

For drafting RTIs or appeals engaging this section, use the First RTI template or the First Appeal template. See How to fill an RTI application for structural help.

• Back to the full RTI Act
• Section 6 — Request for information
• Section 7 — Disposal
• Section 8 — Exemptions
• Section 19 — Appeals
• All explanations
• Landmark RTI decisions

1. Right to Information Act, 2005, Section 16.
2. RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 (where applicable).
3. DPDP Rules, 2025, notified 14 November 2025 (where applicable).
4. Department of Personnel and Training, Guide on the RTI Act, 2005.

Last reviewed on: 21 April 2026