RTI Appeal Template Library — All 5 Templates
Quick Reply: Free RTI appeal letter templates for India: deemed refusal, S.8 rejection, third-party objection, CIC second appeal, Section 20 penalty. Copy-paste ready. 2026.
When a Public Information Officer (PIO) fails to reply, refuses without reason, or hides behind procedural shields, citizens have legal remedies that are free, online, and do not require a lawyer. This library gives you a ready-to-use appeal letter for every stage of the RTI appeal process — from the first letter to the First Appellate Authority all the way through to a penalty complaint at the Central Information Commission.
Quick pick. PIO didn't reply → Deemed refusal template. PIO cited S.8 → S.8 appeal. PIO cited a third party → Third-party appeal. First appeal failed → CIC second appeal. Want penalty → Section 20 penalty complaint.
The RTI appeal roadmap
RTI application filed
│
▼
30 days pass
│
┌────┴──────────────────┐
│ │
PIO replies PIO silent
│ │
│ DEEMED REFUSAL
│ → Template 1
│
├── PIO cites Section 8
│ (exemption) ──────→ Template 2
│
├── PIO cites third-party
│ objection ─────────→ Template 3
│
└── [First appeal filed]
│
▼
FAA decides (30–45 days)
│
┌─────┴──────────┐
│ │
FAA grants FAA rejects /
information no reply
│
SECOND APPEAL
→ Template 4
│
▼
PIO had no excuse?
→ Template 5 (Penalty)
The 5 templates
| # | Template | When to use | Key provision |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deemed refusal — first appeal | PIO silent for 30+ days | S.7(2), S.19(1) |
| 2 | S.8 wrongful rejection — first appeal | PIO cited exemption without justification | S.8, S.19(5), S.19(1) |
| 3 | Third-party objection — first appeal | PIO denied citing S.11 third-party response | S.11, S.19(1) |
| 4 | Second appeal to CIC / SIC | First appeal failed or no FAA order in 45 days | S.19(3), dsscic.nic.in |
| 5 | Section 20 penalty complaint | PIO delayed maliciously or gave false information | S.20(1), S.20(2) |
Key rules for every appeal
- First appeal must be filed within 30 days of the PIO's order or the deemed-refusal date.
- First appeal fee: Free.
- FAA decision time: 30 days, extendable to 45 with written reasons.
- Second appeal must be filed within 90 days of the FAA order or the date the FAA was due to decide.
- Second appeal fee: Free (CIC portal).
- Penalty: ₹250/day, max ₹25,000, from the PIO's personal salary.
- No lawyer required at any stage.
Tools to help you
- Draft your appeal letter automatically: First Appeal Builder
- Calculate all RTI deadlines: RTI Timeline Calculator
- Draft a fresh RTI application: AI RTI Drafter
- Sample RTI letters for 50+ subjects: Sample RTI library
- Check if a PIO replied: PIO Reply Checker
All 5 templates — direct links
This library is maintained by the RTI Wiki editorial team. Templates are reviewed against CIC orders and RTI Act provisions. Last updated: May 2026.