RTI Appeal Template Library — All 5 Templates

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

This library is maintained by the RTI Wiki editorial team. Templates are reviewed against CIC orders and RTI Act provisions. Last updated: May 2026.

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