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+{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(citizen crash course module 03, rti module 03, reading replies + first appeal)&metatag-description=(Citizen Crash Course in RTI — Module 03: Reading replies + First Appeal. By the end of this module, you can spot a defective PIO reply and file a First Appeal.)}}
+====== Module 03 — Reading replies + First Appeal ======
+{{ :social:auto:citizen-crash-module-03.png?direct&1200 |Citizen Crash Course Module 03}}
+<WRAP center round info 95%>
+**Goal:** By the end of this module, you can spot a defective PIO reply and file a First Appeal.
+</WRAP>
+===== Anatomy of a good PIO reply =====
+A compliant §7(1) reply has 4 elements:
+  - **Reference to your application** — date, ref no., and your name.
+  - **Decision per question** — for each of your sub-points (a), (b), (c)…, the PIO states: allow / part-allow / refuse.
+  - **Reasoning for any refusal** — must cite the specific §8(1) sub-clause AND give reasons (not just "§8(1)(j) personal information" — must say WHY personal).
+  - **FAA contact + 30-day window** — the senior officer to whom you can appeal.
+===== The 7 improper-refusal patterns =====
+If you see any of these in the PIO reply, you have grounds for First Appeal:
+  - **Bare exemption** — "§8(1)(j)" without reasons → §7(8)(i) violation
+  - **Whole record refused for partial exemption** — §10 severability missed
+  - **"Information not available"** — without searching → bad faith
+  - **"Voluminous, file inspection only"** — sometimes valid, but PIO must offer a date + place
+  - **"You should know"** — never a valid response
+  - **"This is policy / under consideration"** — pre-decisional notings might be exempt; bald "policy" is not
+  - **No reply at all** — Day 31 = deemed refusal under §7(2)
+===== §10 severability — your strongest weapon =====
+If a PIO refuses **part** of a record under §8, they MUST disclose the rest. Refusing the whole record because part is exempt is a **mandatory ground for FAA to set aside the order.**
+Example: you ask for letter sent by SDM to State Govt + names of surveyors + their phone numbers. PIO refuses the whole thing under §8(1)(j) (privacy). Wrong. Letter is disclosable, surveyor names usually disclosable, phones need §11. PIO should sever, not refuse outright.
+===== How to draft a First Appeal under §19(1) =====
+<code>
+To,
+The First Appellate Authority
+[Department]
+[Same address as PIO]
+Subject: First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, 2005
+Sir/Madam,
+. I, [Your name], a citizen of India, filed an RTI application on [date] (Ref: [your ref no.]).
+. The PIO's reply dated [PIO reply date] is challenged on the following grounds:
+   (a) The PIO refused under §8(1)(__) without recording reasons — violation of §7(8)(i).
+   (b) The PIO did not apply §10 severability when refusing — the non-exempt parts must be disclosed.
+   (c) The PIO failed to reply by Day 30 (§7(1) deadline expired) — deemed refusal under §7(2).
+   [pick whichever apply]
+. I therefore request that the FAA:
+   (a) Set aside the PIO order;
+   (b) Direct the PIO to provide the requested information within a stated time;
+   (c) Consider penalty under §20 against the PIO for unjustified delay/refusal.
+Date: [DD-MM-YYYY]                                       Signature: ________
+Place: [City]                                            Name + address + phone
+Enclosures: 1) Original RTI application 2) PIO reply 3) Speed Post AD card
+</code>
+No additional fee for First Appeal (some states charge ₹10). File within 30 days of PIO order.
+===== When to escalate to Second Appeal =====
+If the FAA also fails or dismisses, file **Second Appeal under §19(3)** within **90 days** to:
+  * **CIC** (Central Information Commission) — for Central public authorities. cic.gov.in.
+  * **State SIC** — for state public authorities. See [[:state-rti-portals-directory|state portals page]] for SIC contact.
+Second Appeal can also include a §20 penalty motion against the PIO and §19(8)(b) compensation claim.
+Use our [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/first-appeal-app.html|First Appeal Builder]] for §19(1); for Second Appeal templates, see the [[:cpd:module-10|CPD Module 10]].
+===== ✅ Quiz =====
+questions, 70% to pass. Take it from your [[:courses:citizen-crash:app|course dashboard]].
+===== Next =====
+  * [[:courses:citizen-crash:start|← Course overview]]
+  * Next module: **Final exam** — open from your [[:courses:citizen-crash:app|dashboard]]
+//Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.//
+{{tag>course citizen-crash rti module-03}}

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