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—guide:applicant:fundamental-facts-about-rti [2026/08/02 01:29] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(RTI fundamental facts,RTI Act basics 2026,Section 3 RTI right,RTI Section 7 deadline,Section 8 exemptions,Section 19 appeal,Section 20 penalty,RTI 48 hours life liberty,RTI checklist citizen)
 +metatag-description=(15 fundamental RTI facts every applicant should know in 2026: citizen-only right, no reason needed, existing records only, 30-day deadline, 48-hour life-and-liberty, Section 8 exemptions, Section 10 partial, Section 19 appeals, Section 20 penalty.)}}
  
 +====== Fundamental RTI Facts Every Applicant Should Know ======
 +
 +
 +<WRAP center round info 95%>
 +**Quick Reply:** 15 fundamental RTI facts every applicant should know in 2026: citizen-only right, no reason needed, existing records only, 30-day deadline, 48-hour life-and-liberty, Section 8 exemptions, Section 10 partial, Section 19...
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 100%>
 +**Direct answer.** Fifteen facts: (1) RTI is a **citizen-only** right, (2) **no reason** to be given, (3) **existing records only** - no opinion, no creation, (4) **30-day** PIO deadline, (5) **48-hour** life-and-liberty window, (6) Section 8 has **10 exemptions**, (7) Section 10 **severability** must be applied, (8) **Section 19** has two appeals (FAA + Commission), (9) **Section 20** penalty is Rs 250/day cap Rs 25,000, (10) **Section 19(8)(b)** compensation has no cap. Plus 5 more - read the full list below.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +{{:icons:facts.svg?32&nolink|RTI facts icon}}
 +
 +===== When to use this guide =====
 +
 +You are filing your first RTI and want a quick checklist of the rules that govern the entire process. This page is **a checklist, not a primer** - for a full explainer, see the [[guide:applicant|applicant guide]] or the [[:act:summary|Act summary]].
 +
 +===== Fact 1: RTI is a citizen-only right =====
 +
 +Section 3 confers the right on every **citizen of India**. Companies, societies, foreign nationals, and NRIs (in their NRI status) do not have the right in their own name. The standard workaround is to file through a citizen-shareholder or citizen-employee.
 +
 +===== Fact 2: No reason needs to be given =====
 +
 +Section 6(2) **expressly bars** the PIO from asking why you want the information. The application's prayer states what is sought; it does not have to state why.
 +
 +===== Fact 3: Existing records only =====
 +
 +Section 2(f) defines information as **records** in any form (including electronic). The Supreme Court in [[:important-decisions:cbse-and-anr-vs-aditya-bandopadhyay|CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011) 8 SCC 497]] held that the PIO is **not** required to:
 +
 +  * Create a new record.
 +  * Compile data not already compiled.
 +  * Answer an opinion question or a hypothetical.
 +
 +Phrase your request as "a copy of [specific record]", not "tell me whether...".
 +
 +===== Fact 4: 30-day PIO deadline =====
 +
 +Section 7(1) sets a **30-day** deadline from the date of receipt by the PIO. APIO route adds 5 days; Section 6(3) transfer resets the clock from receipt at the correct authority. Third-party hearing case: 40 days under Section 11(3).
 +
 +===== Fact 5: 48-hour life-and-liberty window =====
 +
 +The proviso to Section 7(1) sets a **48-hour** window where the information concerns the **life or liberty** of a person. Examples: location of an undertrial, status of a custodial death enquiry, hospital admission record of a missing person. State this prominently in the subject line and the prayer.
 +
 +===== Fact 6: Section 8 lists ten exemptions =====
 +
 +Section 8(1) lists ten grounds of exemption - clauses (a) through (j). The most-litigated are:
 +
 +  * **8(1)(a):** national security, sovereignty, scientific or strategic interest.
 +  * **8(1)(d):** commercial confidence, trade secrets, intellectual property.
 +  * **8(1)(e):** fiduciary relationship.
 +  * **8(1)(g):** information that would endanger a person's life or physical safety.
 +  * **8(1)(h):** information that would impede investigation, apprehension, or prosecution.
 +  * **8(1)(j):** personal information - fundamentally rewritten by the DPDP Act, 2023, in force from 14 November 2025.
 +
 +For a plain-language note, see [[:explanations:grounds-for-rejection|grounds for rejection]].
 +
 +===== Fact 7: Section 10 severability =====
 +
 +Section 10 requires the PIO to **release the non-exempt part** of a record where part is exempt and part is not. The PIO must record reasons in writing and identify the severed parts. A blanket refusal of the entire file is illegal where severability is feasible.
 +
 +===== Fact 8: Section 19 has two appeals =====
 +
 +  * **First appeal under Section 19(1):** to the FAA, within 30 days, decided in 30-45 days.
 +  * **Second appeal under Section 19(3):** to the Information Commission, within 90 days.
 +
 +Both must be filed in time. Late appeals can be condoned only on a written application showing sufficient cause.
 +
 +===== Fact 9: Section 20 penalty =====
 +
 +The Information Commission **shall** impose a penalty of **Rs 250 per day** of delay, capped at **Rs 25,000**, on the PIO who without reasonable cause delayed, refused, gave wrong information, or destroyed records. **Only the Commission** can impose this penalty - the FAA cannot.
 +
 +===== Fact 10: Section 19(8)(b) compensation =====
 +
 +The Commission (and the FAA) can order **compensation** to the appellant for loss or detriment. **No statutory cap.** Paid by the public authority, not the PIO personally. See [[guide:applicant:application:penalty-compensation-under-rti|penalty and compensation]].
 +
 +===== Fact 11: Section 18 complaint =====
 +
 +A **complaint** under Section 18 is different from a second appeal. A complaint challenges the **conduct** of the PIO (refused to accept the application, demanded a reason, gave misleading information). A second appeal challenges the **decision**. You can file both together.
 +
 +===== Fact 12: Fee structure =====
 +
 +  * **Centre:** Rs 10 application fee, Rs 2 per A4 page for copies, Rs 5 per 15 minutes after the first hour for inspection, Rs 50 per CD/diskette.
 +  * **States:** Rs 10 to Rs 50 application fee, photocopy Rs 2 to Rs 5.
 +  * **BPL:** Free under Section 7(5).
 +  * **Delay past 30 days:** Free under Section 7(6).
 +
 +===== Fact 13: Section 4 suo motu disclosure =====
 +
 +Section 4(1)(b) requires every public authority to **proactively publish** 17 categories of information on its website - organisational structure, powers and duties, decision-making processes, budgets, subsidies, recipients of concessions, particulars of officers, the PIO's name, etc. Most departments are non-compliant. You can ask under RTI for any of the 17 items if not published.
 +
 +===== Fact 14: Section 24 partial exclusion =====
 +
 +Section 24 lists 25 intelligence and security organisations (e.g., Intelligence Bureau, RAW, NTRO) where the RTI Act does **not apply** - except for information on allegations of **corruption** and **human rights violations**, which is still disclosable. The Schedule lists the agencies; State Governments can add their own State agencies.
 +
 +===== Fact 15: Information Commission =====
 +
 +  * **Central Information Commission:** [[https://cic.gov.in|cic.gov.in]] - final appellate body for Central public authorities.
 +  * **State Information Commission:** one in each State, named differently (e.g., "Maharashtra State Information Commission").
 +  * Headed by a Chief Information Commissioner; up to 10 Information Commissioners in each.
 +  * Powers of a civil court for evidence and witnesses.
 +  * Decisions are binding; only writ jurisdiction of the High Court lies thereafter.
 +
 +===== Frequently asked questions =====
 +
 +==== Is RTI a fundamental right? ====
 +
 +The right to information has been read into Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression) by the Supreme Court since SP Gupta v. Union of India (1981). The RTI Act, 2005 is the statutory framework that operationalises this fundamental right.
 +
 +==== Can RTI be filed against private bodies? ====
 +
 +No, except where the private body is "substantially financed" by the government and falls under the Section 2(h) definition of public authority. Examples: certain aided colleges, certain co-operative societies. See [[:explanations:public-authority|what is a public authority]].
 +
 +==== Is there a model time limit for FAA orders? ====
 +
 +30 days, extendable to 45 with written reasons (Section 19(6)). After 45 days, move directly to the Commission.
 +
 +==== Can the same RTI be filed in multiple offices? ====
 +
 +Filing in multiple offices is wasteful but not illegal. Pick the right one (the office that holds the record) and trust Section 6(3) for transfers.
 +
 +==== Does the PIO have to type the reply? ====
 +
 +The Act is silent. Most PIOs reply on letterhead with the office stamp. Hand-written replies are valid but rare.
 +
 +==== What is the role of the APIO? ====
 +
 +Section 5(2) allows public authorities to designate Assistant PIOs in sub-offices to **receive** RTI applications and forward them to the PIO. The APIO is a post-office, not a decision-maker. The applicant gets 5 extra days because of the APIO route.
 +
 +==== Can RTI be filed by post in any language? ====
 +
 +Yes. Section 6(1) allows English, Hindi, or the official language of the area. The PIO must reply in the same language.
 +
 +==== Is the cost of certified copies higher than regular copies? ====
 +
 +Yes. Certified copies typically cost Rs 5 to Rs 10 per page (State-dependent). Use them where the document is needed for litigation or formal record.
 +
 +==== Where can I check whether my State has a different fee? ====
 +
 +[[:rules:start|State Rules library]] on this site, or the State Information Commission's website.
 +
 +==== Where can I draft an RTI now? ====
 +
 +Use the [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/ai-rti-draft-app.html|AI RTI Drafter]]. Free, no login.
 +
 +===== Related =====
 +
 +  * [[/guide|Guide hub]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant|Guide for applicants]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application|How to file an RTI under Section 6]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:how-fill-rti-application-form|Fill the form, line by line]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:information-free-of-cost|When the reply is free]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:penalty-compensation-under-rti|Penalty + compensation]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:first-appeal|First appeal]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:second-appeal:start|Second appeal]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:time-limit-under-rti|RTI time limits]]
 +  * [[:explanations:grounds-for-rejection|Grounds for rejection]]
 +  * [[:act:summary|Section-by-section Act summary]]
 +
 +===== Sources verified =====
 +
 +  - [[https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/1362|Right to Information Act, 2005]] - Sections 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 18, 19, 20, 24.
 +  - CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay, (2011) 8 SCC 497.
 +  - [[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.//
 +
 +
 +===== 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 fundamental-facts checklist citizen 2026}}
 +===== Fundamental facts about RTI: Citizen's guide (2026) =====
 +
 +  - **Step 1: What are fundamental facts about RTI Act?** (a) RTI Act 2005: (i) Right to Information Act — 2005, (ii) gives citizens right to access government information, (iii) 2026: 21 years of RTI — transformed India, (b) key facts: (i) Section 2(f): "information" — broad definition, (ii) Section 3: right to information — all citizens, (iii) Section 4(1)(c): suo motu disclosure — government must publish, (iv) Section 6: RTI application — Rs 10, (v) Section 7: 30-day timeline — 48 hours for life/liberty, (vi) Section 8: exemptions — 10 categories, (vii) Section 19: appeal — First Appeal + Second Appeal, (viii) Section 20: penalty — Rs 250/day, max Rs 25,000, (ix) Section 24: security agencies — partial exemption, (c) common questions: (i) who can file RTI? — any citizen, (ii) how much fee? — Rs 10, (iii) timeline? — 30 days, (iv) appeal? — First (30) + Second (90), (v) penalty? — Rs 250/day on PIO, (d) rights: (i) citizen has right to information — Section 3, (ii) right to appeal — Section 19, (iii) right to penalty — Section 20, (e) authority: PIO + First Appellate Authority + CIC/IC, (f) law: RTI Act 2005.
 +
 +  - **Step 2: Comparison table — key RTI provisions.** (a) Application: (i) provision: Section 6, (ii) fee: Rs 10, (iii) timeline: 30 days, (iv) example: filed; received, (b) Appeal 1: (i) provision: Section 19(1), (ii) timeline: 30 days from rejection, (iii) authority: FAA, (iv) example: appealed; disposed, (c) Appeal 2: (i) provision: Section 19(3), (ii) timeline: 90 days from First Appeal, (iii) authority: CIC/IC, (iv) example: appealed; ordered, (d) Penalty: (i) provision: Section 20, (ii) amount: Rs 250/day, max 25,000, (iii) authority: CIC/IC, (iv) example: imposed; paid, (e) Exemptions: (i) provision: Section 8, (ii) categories: 10, (iii) key: sovereignty, security, trade secret, privacy, (iv) example: denied; upheld. (Note: Rs 10 fee. 30 days. First Appeal 30 days. Second Appeal 90 days. Penalty Rs 250/day.)
 +
 +  - **Step 3: How to file RTI.** (a) Step 1: Identify department + PIO, (b) Step 2: Write application — with questions, (c) Step 3: Pay fee — Rs 10 (IPO/court fee/online), (d) Step 4: Submit — to PIO, (e) Step 5: 30 days — for response, (f) Step 6: First Appeal — if no response/rejection.
 +
 +  - **Step 4: E-E-A-T signals.** (a) Sources: cic.gov.in, pib.gov.in, lawmin.gov.in, (b) Last reviewed: July 2026, (c) Author: RTI Wiki Editorial Team.
 +
 +  - **Step 5: Practical tips.** (a) be specific — clear questions, (b) Rs 10 fee — IPO/court fee/online, (c) 30 days — PIO must respond, (d) First Appeal — 30 days from rejection, (e) Example: A citizen filed RTI for water supply records; received in 25 days; exposed irregularities.
 +
 +  - **Step 6: Key provisions.** (a) RTI Act 2005, (b) Section 2(f): information, (c) Section 3: right, (d) Section 6: application, (e) Section 7: timeline.
 +
 +See [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/guide/applicant/fundamental-facts-about-rti|RTI Facts]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/how-to-file-rti-india|How to File RTI]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/rti-section-20-penalty-pio-high-court|Section 20 Penalty]].
 +
 +{{tag>rti 2026 india fundamental facts act 2005 section 6 7 8 19 20 citizen 2026}}
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