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+{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(PIO deadline 2026, RTI 30 day rule, DoPT circulars, Section 7, RTI compliance)
+metatag-description=(How DoPT and CIC have refined the §7 reply deadline since 2024 — the four cases where the clock pauses, and what citizens should do.)}}
+====== How the PIO reply deadline shifted in recent circulars — citizen guide ======
+{{:social:auto:how-pio-respond-deadline-changed-recent-circulars.png?direct&1200 |How the PIO reply deadline shifted in recent circulars — citizen guide — RTI Wiki}}
+The §7(1) "30 days" rule sounds simple. In practice, the clock can be paused, restarted, or extended through five circulars and ten CIC orders since 2024.
+===== The original rule =====
+§7(1) RTI Act 2005: PIO must reply within **30 days of receipt**. §7(1) proviso: **48 hours** if life/liberty. §7(5): if information requires "third party" consultation under §11, add **40 days**.
+===== Where it shifts =====
+  * **Receipt vs allotment.** Earlier, some PAs ran the clock from "allotment to PIO". CIC/2024 ruled the clock starts from **receipt at the PA**, not internal routing.
+  * **Online filing.** RTI Online Portal logs receipt timestamp. PIOs cannot dispute the start date.
+  * **Defective application.** A 2024 DoPT OM clarified: a "defective" application requesting clarification **does not pause** the clock. The PIO must reply with information available + the clarification request.
+  * **Fee-deficiency.** §7(3) lets PIO ask for additional fee. Clock pauses **only on this written request**, restarts on payment.
+  * **Transfer under §6(3).** When PIO transfers to another PA, original PIO has **5 days** to transfer; the receiving PIO's clock starts on receipt — but cannot exceed 35 days from original receipt.
+===== What citizens should do =====
+  - **Always file via RTI Online Portal** for unambiguous timestamp.
+  - **If transferred under §6(3)**, follow up at day-30 with both PAs.
+  - **Defective application** — re-submit promptly but without conceding the clock.
+  - **Day 30 + 1**: file First Appeal under §19(1) — do not wait.
+The clock favours the precise applicant. Print these rules; pin in your RTI folder.
+===== Sources =====
+  - RTI Act 2005 §7, §6, §11.
+  - DoPT Master Circular on RTI 2024 update.
+  - CIC orders 2024-25 on §7 timeline.
+//Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.//
+{{tag>blog rti-deadline section-7 dopt-circular pio-clock}}