How the First Appellate Authority Decides an RTI Appeal

This is a short companion page on how the FAA decides the appeal once filed. For the filing guide (when, where, format, prayers), open the canonical page: first appeal under Section 19(1).

The FAA's office:

1. Records the appeal in the FAA register with a serial number and date of receipt.
2. Issues an acknowledgement to the appellant.
3. Calls the file from the PIO with the original RTI application, the PIO's reply (if any), and the file noting.

The FAA must give a reasonable opportunity of hearing to:

• The appellant (who may appear in person or by an authorised representative).
• The PIO whose order is under challenge.
• Any third party affected by the disclosure under Section 11.

Most FAAs decide on the papers; some fix a date for an oral hearing. The hearing can be by video conferencing where the appellant requests it.

• Direct disclosure of the information.
• Direct severability under Section 10 - release the non-exempt portion.
• Apply the post-DPDP Section 8(2) public-interest test in personal-information cases.
• Quash an unreasonable fee.
• Order compensation under Section 19(8)(b) for loss / detriment.
• Recommend disciplinary action against the PIO (cannot impose).
• Direct the public authority to publish the information under Section 4 suo motu.

• 30 days from receipt - ordinary disposal limit.
• 45 days - extended limit, only “for reasons recorded in writing”.
• After 45 days - the FAA loses jurisdiction; the appellant moves the second appeal to the Information Commission.

The FAA's order must:

1. Set out the appellant's grounds in summary.
2. Set out the PIO's reply.
3. Apply the relevant section of the Act (typically 7, 8, 10, 11).
4. Reach a clear finding on each ground.
5. Pass a clear, time-bound direction.

A non-speaking “appeal dismissed” order is open to challenge in the second appeal as having been passed without due application of mind.

For the structure of a model speaking order, see the officer-side FAA guide and the speaking order template.

First appeal under Section 19(1) - the canonical guide for citizens filing the appeal. This page is a short companion on how the FAA decides.

No. Only the Information Commission can. The FAA can recommend.

The FAA must offer a reasonable opportunity of hearing. Most decide on the papers; an oral hearing is held where the appellant requests it or where the FAA wants to clarify a fact.

30 days, extendable to 45 with recorded reasons. After 45 days, the appellant can move directly to the Information Commission under Section 19(3).

The FAA decides on the basis of the record and the appellant's submissions. The PIO's silence is treated as confirmation of the appellant's facts.

Yes, under Section 19(8)(b), if the appellant proves loss or detriment.

The Act does not expressly say so, but FAAs have ordered refunds where Section 7(6) (free supply for delay) has triggered.

Move directly to the Information Commission under Section 19(3). The FAA's silence is a deemed dismissal.

• Canonical: First appeal under Section 19(1) - full filing guide
• Guide hub
• Guide for applicants
• Second appeal under Section 19(3)
• Complaint under Section 18
• Penalty + compensation
• RTI time limits
• FAA guide (officer-side)
• Template: FAA speaking order

1. Right to Information Act, 2005 - Sections 19(1), 19(6), 19(8).
2. DoPT Master Circular on RTI.
3. cic.gov.in - Central Information Commission.

Last reviewed: 9 May 2026.

The First Appeal Kit contains a ready-to-use template letter under §19(1), a filing checklist, and five CIC precedents you can cite. Print and adapt — no login, no fee.

Download First Appeal Kit (PDF, free)

More downloadable guides: RTI Downloads.

Many RTIs are filed because a government scheme or document is delayed. Before filing, check the status directly:

• PMAY beneficiary status
• NREGA / MGNREGA job card and payment status
• Ration card status
• PM-KISAN Rs 6,000 status
• e-Shram card status

If a status is stuck beyond the official timeline, use the AI RTI Drafter to file in minutes.