First Appeal Format under §19(1) — download (2026)

First Appeal Format under §19(1) — download (2026) — RTI Wiki

Quick Reply: First Appeal under §19(1) of the RTI Act. Free, within 30 days of PIO reply (or expiry of 30-day window). * Appellant name + complete address * Original RTI.

No statutory form for first appeal — use plain paper addressed to “The First Appellate Authority” of the same public authority. Format below works for any state.

What the form needs

  • Appellant name + complete address
  • Original RTI application no. + date
  • PIO's name + designation + reply date (or “no reply received”)
  • Specific grounds of appeal (cite §7(8), §10 severability, §8 misuse, etc.)
  • Statement of facts
  • Prayer (what the FAA should order)
  • List of enclosures (RTI copy, PIO reply, payment proof)
  • Date + signature

Where to submit

Hand-deliver to PIO office (FAA is usually senior officer there). Get receipt.

Fee

FREE under §19(1) — no fee allowed.

Timeline

30 days statutory (extendable to 45 with written reasons) under §19(6).

Tips + common mistakes

  • No fee — this is a constitutional safeguard
  • Within 30 days of PIO reply
  • Address to “FAA” not by name (institution rolls)
  • Be focused on grounds; don't re-write the original RTI

If submitted form is rejected / delayed — file an RTI

Forms get “lost”, “incomplete”, “wrong section” — RTI brings out the actual file noting and officer name, which usually resolves the issue within 15 days.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →

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