Right to Information Wiki

Section 20 Penalty Petition Format (2026)

Section 20 penalty petition against PIO for unjustified delay/denial. Rs 250/day up to Rs 25,000 + departmental action. * Petitioner name + address * PIO name +.

Section 20 Penalty Petition Format (2026)

§20(1) penalty is mandatory if PIO is found to have delayed/denied without reasonable cause. Often filed alongside second appeal.

What the form needs

  • Petitioner name + address
  • PIO name + designation + office
  • RTI application no. + date
  • Date PIO received vs date PIO replied (or didn't)
  • Specific delay calculation (Rs 250/day over 30-day deadline)
  • Public-interest impact statement
  • Pray for §20(1) penalty + §20(2) departmental action
  • Enclosures (RTI, PIO reply if any, FAA order)

Where to submit

Filed before Information Commission with second appeal OR separately.

Fee

FREE.

Timeline

IC decides on §19(3) merits + §20 penalty in same order usually.

Tips + common mistakes

  • Penalty is on PIO PERSONALLY, not the office
  • §20(2) departmental action is separate — career consequences
  • Burden on PIO to show “reasonable cause” for delay
  • Most penalties: Rs 5,000-15,000. Rs 25,000 max for serial offenders

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 →

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.

, , ,