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+{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(evasive RTI reply, PIO evasion, incomplete RTI reply, first appeal evasion, RTI drafting)
+metatag-description=(Evasive, vague, "not held by us" replies are most PIO refusals. How to spot them, and the First Appeal framing that wins.)}}
+====== How to defeat evasive PIO replies — a practical playbook ======
+{{:social:auto:how-pio-responds-to-evasive-replies.png?direct&1200 |How to defeat evasive PIO replies — a practical playbook — RTI Wiki}}
+The most common RTI failure is not outright refusal. It's the **evasive reply** — selective answers, "information not held by us", "not in public interest", or silence on specific questions.
+===== The three common evasions =====
+  - **Partial reply** — answers Q1 and Q5, ignores Q2, Q3, Q4.
+  - **"Not held by us"** — without any [[act:section-6|§6(3) transfer]].
+  - **Vague denial** — "not in public interest" without citation of [[act:section-8|§8 sub-clause]].
+===== The First Appeal framing that wins =====
+Always frame FAA in **numbered bullets**:
+  - **Ground 1**: PIO failed to answer Q2, Q3, Q4 — direct violation of §7(1).
+  - **Ground 2**: "Not held" claim made without §6(3) transfer — violation of procedure.
+  - **Ground 3**: Refusal under §8 without citing specific sub-clause — violates **[[important-decisions:court:bhagat-singh-vs-cic|Bhagat Singh v. CIC]] (Del HC 2007)**.
+  - **Ground 4**: DoPT circulars on speaking orders breached.
+  - **Ground 5**: Cost of vexation — seek **compensation under §19(8)(b)**.
+===== Counter-drafting =====
+When re-filing, **pre-empt** evasions by citing:
+  - **Bhagat Singh v. CIC (2007)** — reasoned order mandatory.
+  - **CIC Full Bench on "not held"** — PIO must identify who holds it.
+  - **§4(1)(d)** — reasons for administrative decision.
+===== The pressure ladder =====
+FAA → CIC → High Court (writ) → personal costs against PIO. Each rung increases the PIO's personal risk, not institutional.
+===== Sources =====
+  - Bhagat Singh v. CIC (Del HC 2007).
+  - RTI Act 2005 §§7, 19.
+  - DoPT Master Circular on RTI 2024 update.
+//Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.//
+{{tag>blog evasive-reply first-appeal rti-drafting bhagat-singh pio-evasion}}