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—guide:applicant:first-appeal:faa [2026/07/03 02:24] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(First Appellate Authority decision,FAA decides RTI appeal,Section 19(1) FAA process,FAA hearing RTI,FAA speaking order,RTI 2026 FAA)
 +metatag-title=(FAA Decides RTI First Appeal India 2026)&metatag-description=(How the First Appellate Authority decides an RTI first appeal under Section 19 1: receipt, hearing, what FAA can do under Section 19 8, 30-45 day timeline, format of speaking order.)}}
 +
 +====== How the First Appellate Authority Decides an RTI Appeal ======
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 100%>
 +**Direct answer.** Once a first appeal under **Section 19(1)** reaches the FAA, the FAA must record the appeal, give a **reasonable opportunity of hearing** to both the appellant and the PIO, and pass a **speaking order** within **30 days** (extendable to **45 days** for written reasons). The FAA's powers under **Section 19(8)** include directing disclosure, applying severability, quashing fees, and ordering compensation. The FAA **cannot** impose a Section 20 penalty - only the Information Commission can. **Canonical filing guide:** [[guide:applicant:first-appeal|first appeal under Section 19(1)]].
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +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: [[guide:applicant:first-appeal|first appeal under Section 19(1)]].
 +
 +===== Stage 1: receipt and registration =====
 +
 +The FAA's office:
 +
 +  - Records the appeal in the FAA register with a serial number and date of receipt.
 +  - Issues an acknowledgement to the appellant.
 +  - Calls the file from the PIO with the original RTI application, the PIO's reply (if any), and the file noting.
 +
 +===== Stage 2: hearing =====
 +
 +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.
 +
 +===== Stage 3: what the FAA can do under Section 19(8) =====
 +
 +  * **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.
 +
 +===== Stage 4: timeline =====
 +
 +  * **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.
 +
 +===== Stage 5: speaking order =====
 +
 +The FAA's order must:
 +
 +  - Set out the appellant's grounds in summary.
 +  - Set out the PIO's reply.
 +  - Apply the relevant section of the Act (typically 7, 8, 10, 11).
 +  - Reach a clear finding on each ground.
 +  - 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 [[guide:guidelines-for-first-appellate-authority|FAA guide]] and the [[templates:faa-speaking-order|speaking order template]].
 +
 +===== Frequently asked questions =====
 +
 +==== Where is the canonical filing guide? ====
 +
 +[[guide:applicant:first-appeal|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.
 +
 +==== Can the FAA impose a Section 20 penalty? ====
 +
 +No. Only the Information Commission can. The FAA can recommend.
 +
 +==== Does the FAA hold a hearing? ====
 +
 +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.
 +
 +==== What is the time limit for the FAA's decision? ====
 +
 +30 days, extendable to 45 with recorded reasons. After 45 days, the appellant can move directly to the Information Commission under Section 19(3).
 +
 +==== What does the FAA do if the PIO is silent during the appeal? ====
 +
 +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.
 +
 +==== Can the FAA order compensation? ====
 +
 +Yes, under Section 19(8)(b), if the appellant proves loss or detriment.
 +
 +==== Can the FAA order a refund of the original Rs 10 fee? ====
 +
 +The Act does not expressly say so, but FAAs have ordered refunds where Section 7(6) (free supply for delay) has triggered.
 +
 +==== Where do I file if the FAA is silent past 45 days? ====
 +
 +Move directly to the Information Commission under Section 19(3). The FAA's silence is a deemed dismissal.
 +
 +===== Related =====
 +
 +  * **Canonical:** [[guide:applicant:first-appeal|First appeal under Section 19(1) - full filing guide]]
 +  * [[guide|Guide hub]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant|Guide for applicants]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:second-appeal:start|Second appeal under Section 19(3)]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:second-appeal:complaint|Complaint under Section 18]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:penalty-compensation-under-rti|Penalty + compensation]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:time-limit-under-rti|RTI time limits]]
 +  * [[guide:guidelines-for-first-appellate-authority|FAA guide (officer-side)]]
 +  * [[templates:faa-speaking-order|Template: FAA speaking order]]
 +
 +===== Sources verified =====
 +
 +  - [[https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/1362|Right to Information Act, 2005]] - Sections 19(1), 19(6), 19(8).
 +  - [[https://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/RTI-Master-Circular.pdf|DoPT Master Circular on RTI]].
 +  - [[https://cic.gov.in|cic.gov.in]] - Central Information Commission.
 +
 +//Last reviewed: 9 May 2026.//
 +
 +===== Download printable guide =====
 +
 +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.
 +
 +**[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/downloads/first-appeal-kit.pdf|Download First Appeal Kit (PDF, free)]]**
 +
 +More downloadable guides: [[:downloads:start|RTI Downloads]].
 +
 +
 +
 +===== Stuck scheme or document? Check the status first =====
 +
 +Many RTIs are filed because a government scheme or document is delayed. Before filing, check the status directly:
 +
 +  * [[:check-status/pmay-status|PMAY beneficiary status]]
 +  * [[:mgnrega-job-card-status-2026|NREGA / MGNREGA job card and payment status]]
 +  * [[:check-status/ration-card-status|Ration card status]]
 +  * [[:pm-kisan-status-check-2026|PM-KISAN Rs 6,000 status]]
 +  * [[:eshram-card-status-check-2026|e-Shram card status]]
 +
 +If a status is stuck beyond the official timeline, use the [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/ai-rti-draft-app.html|AI RTI Drafter]] to file in minutes.
 +
 +{{tag>rti guide applicant first-appeal faa section-19 2026}}