RTI Life or Liberty Application — 48 Hour Format (2026)
Quick Reply: Section 7(1) proviso — when life or liberty is at stake, PIO must respond in 48 hours. * Standard RTI format * Add at top: “URGENT — INFORMATION CONCERNING.
48-hour disposal under §7(1) proviso for “information concerning the life or liberty of a person”. Threshold high but power exists.
What the form needs
- Standard RTI format
- Add at top: “URGENT — INFORMATION CONCERNING LIFE/LIBERTY UNDER §7(1) PROVISO”
- Specify the life/liberty concern (medical emergency, custodial detention, threat)
- Provide PIO contact details (mobile + email)
- Hand-deliver if possible
Where to submit
Direct hand-delivery to PIO office; insist on receipt.
Fee
Same as standard.
Timeline
48 hours under §7(1) proviso.
Tips + common mistakes
- Threshold is HIGH — must show actual life/liberty concern
- Examples: medical records during treatment; custody / arrest records; threat info
- PIO must respond OR escalate; failure attracts strict §20 penalty
- CIC interprets liberally where credible threat shown
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 →
Related
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.
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