RTI Definitions — Key terms explained

• What is a deemed refusal? — When PIO silence = refusal (§7(2)).
• What is suo motu disclosure? — §4 proactive publication by public authorities.
• First Appeal vs Complaint — §19 vs §18: which track to use.
• What is a third-party RTI? — §11 notice before disclosing third-party data.
• Can an RTI be called vexatious? — The narrow “vexatious” standard in Indian RTI law.

• What is a PIO? — The Public Information Officer: duties, accountability, penalty exposure.
• CPIO vs PIO vs APIO — The three officer roles and how they differ.
• What is a First Appellate Authority (FAA)? — The internal appellate officer above the PIO.
• What is the CIC? — The Central Information Commission: apex body for central RTIs.
• What is an SIC? — State Information Commissions: state-level equivalents of the CIC.

• What is the RTI fee in India? — ₹10 central, ₹10-50 states; modes of payment; no appeal fee.
• Do BPL applicants pay RTI fees? — §7(5) fee waiver: how to claim it.
• What is an Indian Postal Order for RTI? — How to buy and use an IPO for postal RTI payment.

• What does §8(1)(j) protect? — The privacy/personal information exemption.
• What is the 48-hour life-and-liberty clause? — §7(1) proviso: urgent RTI response in 48 hours.

• How to file an RTI in India — the definitive 2026 guide
• First Appeal step-by-step guide
• AI RTI Drafter — draft your application in 60 seconds
• First Appeal Builder — auto-fill your §19(1) appeal

This index is part of the RTI Wiki Definitions series. Last reviewed: May 2026.