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—faqs:rti-first-appeal-blocked-portal [2026/07/22 17:47] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatitle=Portal not allowing RTI first appeal online — why and fix citizen guide 2026
 +metadescription=rtionline.gov.in blocking your first appeal? Two common reasons: physical transfer or 30 days not yet elapsed. Full explanation and next steps inside.
 +metakeywords=rti first appeal not allowed, rtionline first appeal blocked, cannot file first appeal online, rti first appeal 30 days}}
 +
 +====== RTI portal not allowing me to file first appeal online — why and fix ======
 +
 +
 +
 +{{ :social:auto:faqs-rti-first-appeal-blocked-portal.png?direct&1200 |RTI portal not allowing me to file first appeal online — why and fix — RTI Wiki}}
 +
 +<WRAP center round info 95%>
 +**Quick Reply:** RTI portal not allowing me to file first appeal online — why and fix
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 100%>
 +**Direct answer:** The portal blocks online first appeals in two situations: (1) your original application was physically transferred to a non-aligned authority — appeal must go physical too; or (2) the 30-day reply window has not yet elapsed — wait until day 31 before filing.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +You filed your RTI online, 30 days have passed, the CPIO has either not replied or given an unsatisfactory answer — and now the portal's "Submit First Appeal" button is grayed out or throwing an error. This has one of two causes, both fixable.
 +
 +===== What the official portal says =====
 +
 +> "Application physically transferred to non-aligned authority requires physical appeal; CPIO has not replied and 30 days have not passed — file appeal only after 30 days." — [[https://rtionline.gov.in/faq.php|rtionline.gov.in FAQ Q14]]
 +
 +===== Reason 1: Physical transfer =====
 +
 +If the portal nodal officer transferred your application physically (not electronically) to another authority — especially a state body or a public authority not connected to the portal — that authority is outside the online system. It does not have a portal account to receive electronic appeals. Your first appeal against their reply must also be filed physically (written letter, registered post) to the First Appellate Authority of that department.
 +
 +How to check: In View Status, look for "Physically transferred to [authority name]." That is the signal to switch to physical process.
 +
 +===== Reason 2: 30 days not elapsed =====
 +
 +Under RTI Act 2005, §19(1), the right to file a first appeal arises when (a) the CPIO has given a decision you want to challenge, or (b) no reply has been received within 30 days of filing (or 48 hours in life/liberty matters). The portal enforces this — it will not accept the appeal form until day 31.
 +
 +Count only working days if your authority is in an office that observes specific holidays, but the RTI Act counts calendar days, not working days, for the 30-day rule.
 +
 +===== What to do — step by step =====
 +
 +  - **Check View Status** to identify whether your application was electronically processed or physically transferred.
 +  - **If physically transferred**: draft a written first appeal addressed to "The First Appellate Authority, [name of authority]". Send by registered post. Keep post office receipt.
 +  - **If still within 30 days**: wait until day 31 from filing. Then return to "Submit First Appeal" on the portal — it should unlock.
 +  - **If it is day 31+ and still blocked after an electronic RTI**: clear browser cache, try a different browser, or email [email protected] with your registration number.
 +  - **First appeal is free**: RTI Act 2005, §19(1) specifies no fee for first appeal. Do not pay anything.
 +
 +===== FAQ =====
 +
 +==== What is the time limit for filing a first appeal? ====
 +There is no specific statutory limit on first appeals, but the RTI Act implies "within a reasonable time." Common practice and CIC orders suggest filing within 90 days of the cause. File as soon as you can.
 +
 +==== Can I file a first appeal for a manually-filed RTI online? ====
 +Only if the CPIO has registered your manual application in the online portal and sent you the registration number via email/SMS. If not registered online, your first appeal must also be physical (FAQ Q24 on the portal).
 +
 +==== What if the First Appellate Authority also does not reply? ====
 +File a second appeal or complaint with the Central Information Commission (CIC) within 90 days of the FAA's decision (or non-decision after 45 days).
 +
 +==== Do I need a lawyer for first appeal? ====
 +No. First appeals are designed for self-filing. Use the [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/first-appeal-app.html|First Appeal Builder]] to draft it quickly.
 +
 +===== Related tools and pages =====
 +
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/first-appeal-app.html|First Appeal Builder]] — auto-draft your first appeal
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/pio-reply-checker|PIO Reply Checker]] — check if CPIO response is adequate
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/faqs/cic-start|CIC Second Appeal and Complaint FAQs]] — what to do if first appeal fails
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/faqs/rtionline-start|All RTI Online Portal FAQs]]
 +
 +{{tag>rti fir portal allowing file first appeal fix}}