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—guide:applicant:time-limit-cheat-sheet-2026 [2026/07/11 04:33] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-description=(RTI Act time limits in one cheat sheet. The 30, 35, 45, and 48-day rules under §7, §11, §19, §20, with deemed-refusal triggers, appeal windows, and exceptions. Free guide.)
 +metatag-og:title=(RTI Time Limit Cheat Sheet 2026: All Statutory Clocks Under §7, §11, §19, §20)}}
  
 +====== RTI Time Limit Cheat Sheet 2026 (30/35/45/48 Days) ======
 +
 +**The RTI Act, 2005 prescribes four headline time limits: 30 days for the PIO's reply under §7(1), 35 days when the application was filed with an APIO under the §7(1) proviso, 45 days for the FAA's first-appeal decision under §19(6) (30 + 15 extension), and 48 hours when life or liberty is involved.** Add 5 days for §6(3) inter-authority transfers and 40 days for §11 third-party consultation. The cheat sheet below sets out every clock under the Act, the deemed-refusal triggers, the appeal windows, and the rare exceptions.
 +
 +<WRAP info round center 90%>
 +**The four headline clocks**
 +
 +| Stage | Time Limit | Statutory Base |
 +|---|---|---|
 +| **PIO reply (standard)** | **30 days** | §7(1) |
 +| **PIO reply (filed with APIO)** | **35 days** | §7(1) proviso |
 +| **Life or liberty matter** | **48 hours** | §7(1) proviso |
 +| **FAA first-appeal decision** | **30 + 15 days = 45 days** | §19(6) |
 +| **Second Appeal to CIC/SIC** | **90 days** | §19(3) |
 +
 +Save this image to your phone before filing an RTI.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== The 30-day rule: §7(1) standard reply =====
 +
 +The standard time limit for the PIO to reply is **30 days from the date the public authority receives the RTI application**. The clock starts the moment the application reaches the office, not the moment the PIO personally reads it.
 +
 +The 30 days are calendar days, not working days. Sundays and public holidays count. The reply is "received" on the date the PIO posts or hands over the response, not the date you read it. Speed-post receipts and acknowledgments establish the dates on both sides.
 +
 +**Failure to reply within 30 days is a deemed refusal** under §7(2). The Appellant's right to file a First Appeal under §19(1) begins on Day 31.
 +
 +===== The 35-day rule: APIO filing =====
 +
 +§7(1) proviso: where the RTI application is filed with an Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) instead of the PIO, an extra **5 days** is added to the standard limit. The total is **35 days**.
 +
 +This rule exists because the APIO is a sub-office (usually a Post Office under §5(2)). The 5 days cover the transit from the APIO to the PIO.
 +
 +In practice, almost no one files through the APIO any more. The rule still matters when filing through a Post Office under the §5(2) scheme.
 +
 +===== The 48-hour rule: life or liberty matters =====
 +
 +§7(1) proviso: where the information **concerns the life or liberty of a person**, the reply must come within **48 hours of receipt**.
 +
 +Examples of life-or-liberty matters:
 +  * Status of a missing person.
 +  * Custody records of an arrested person.
 +  * Medical records needed urgently for treatment.
 +  * Status of a habeas corpus petition.
 +  * Police complaint dismissal where the complainant's safety is in doubt.
 +
 +Mark the envelope and the application clearly as "Application under the §7(1) proviso, life or liberty matter, reply within 48 hours". The 48 hours run from receipt, including overnight.
 +
 +===== The 5-day rule: §6(3) transfer =====
 +
 +§6(3): where the application is filed with a public authority other than the one holding the information, the receiving authority must transfer it to the right authority within **5 days**.
 +
 +The 30-day clock then runs from the date the right authority receives the transferred application, not from the original filing date. The applicant is told in writing about the transfer.
 +
 +The 5-day clock does not extend if the receiving authority sits on the transfer. The CIC held in //Sarbjit Roy// v. //Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission// (2007): delay in transfer is a procedural breach, and the 30-day reply clock then runs from the original filing date.
 +
 +===== The 40-day rule: §11 third-party consultation =====
 +
 +§11: where the information involves a third party, the PIO must send notice within 5 days, the third party has 10 days to reply, and the PIO must decide on disclosure within **40 days of receiving the application**.
 +
 +The 40 days subsume the 30 days under §7(1). For a third-party matter, the longer 40-day clock applies. Read the deep explainer at [[explanations:section-11-third-party-2026|the §11 explainer]].
 +
 +===== The 30 + 15 rule: §19(6) FAA decision =====
 +
 +§19(6): the First Appellate Authority has **30 days** from receipt of the First Appeal to decide. The FAA is allowed an extension of **15 more days** with reasons recorded in writing.
 +
 +Total outer limit: **45 days**. Past 45 days without a decision, the FAA is in default. The Appellant has the right to file a Second Appeal without waiting any longer.
 +
 +===== The 90-day rule: §19(3) Second Appeal =====
 +
 +§19(3): a Second Appeal to the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission must be filed within **90 days** of the FAA's order or the 45-day deemed-refusal date.
 +
 +§19(3) proviso: the Commission has discretion to condone delay if the Appellant shows sufficient cause. File a separate condonation application explaining the reason (illness, change of address, missing the FAA order in the post).
 +
 +===== Deemed refusal triggers =====
 +
 +A deemed refusal arises in these situations:
 +
 +  - **No PIO reply within 30 days** under §7(2). First Appeal becomes available on Day 31.
 +  - **No life-or-liberty reply within 48 hours.** First Appeal available the moment 48 hours elapse.
 +  - **No FAA decision within 45 days.** Second Appeal available on Day 46.
 +  - **No §11 decision within 40 days.** Treated as refusal; First Appeal becomes available.
 +
 +Treat the deemed refusal as a formal refusal for appeal purposes. Cite the deemed-refusal trigger in the grounds section of your appeal.
 +
 +===== How extensions work =====
 +
 +The Act allows the FAA a single 15-day extension under §19(6), with reasons recorded in writing. No extension is permitted for the PIO's 30-day reply under §7(1).
 +
 +If the PIO has asked for more time in writing, the extension is not legally binding. The 30-day clock continues. The Appellant has the right to file a First Appeal on Day 31 regardless.
 +
 +===== Common time-limit mistakes by PIOs =====
 +
 +  * **Treating "receipt" as the date the PIO reads the file.** Wrong. Receipt is the date the public authority receives the application (postal receipt, online stamp, or front-desk acknowledgment).
 +  * **Stopping the clock for clarifications.** §7 does not allow a "stop the clock" for clarification. Wrong-format applications are entertained under §6(1) proviso (PIO must provide assistance).
 +  * **Asking for fee on Day 28.** A late fee demand is not a legitimate reason to extend the 30 days.
 +  * **Counting working days only.** The Act counts calendar days. Sundays and gazetted holidays count.
 +
 +<WRAP info round center 90%>
 +**Clock missed? File an appeal.**
 +
 +The Act builds the deemed-refusal route precisely for missed clocks. On Day 31 of PIO silence, file the First Appeal. On Day 46 of FAA silence, file the Second Appeal. No fee for either.
 +
 +**Templates:** [[templates:first-rti|RTI Application Format]] · [[templates:first-appeal|First Appeal Format]] · [[templates:second-appeal|Second Appeal Format]]\\
 +**Stuck?** Use the [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/ai-rti-draft-app.html|AI RTI Drafter]] to draft an appeal in 60 seconds.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Frequently asked questions =====
 +
 +==== When does the 30-day clock start for an RTI application sent by post? ====
 +On the date the public authority receives the envelope (or speed-post acknowledgement). Not the date you posted it, not the date the PIO personally opens the file. Keep the speed-post receipt.
 +
 +==== Is the 30-day limit extended on Sundays and public holidays? ====
 +No. §7(1) counts calendar days. Sundays and gazetted holidays count toward the 30. The only exception is when the office is closed for an extended period (a strike, a disaster) and the FAA or CIC has condoned the delay.
 +
 +==== Will the PIO get an extension for asking the applicant for clarification? ====
 +No. §7(1) does not permit a stop-the-clock for clarification. §6(1) proviso requires the PIO to assist the applicant in framing the request. The 30 days continue to run.
 +
 +==== How is the 35-day window calculated for an APIO filing? ====
 +The 35 days run from the date the APIO receives the application. The first 5 days cover the transit to the PIO. The next 30 days are the PIO's reply window.
 +
 +==== What is the time limit for the Information Commission to decide a Second Appeal? ====
 +The Act sets no outer limit on the Commission's decision. In practice, the CIC takes 8 to 24 months. Some State Commissions take longer. The Commission's own annual report lists the pendency.
 +
 +==== Is the 48-hour rule binding on the PIO in life-or-liberty matters? ====
 +Yes. §7(1) proviso is mandatory. Mark the application clearly. If the PIO fails to respond, the Commission has held in //Kishan Lal Bhati// v. //Police Commissioner Mumbai// (2010): this is a serious breach attracting a §20 penalty.
 +
 +==== Is the deemed-refusal automatic, or do I need to write to the PIO again? ====
 +Automatic. On Day 31 of PIO silence (or Day 46 of FAA silence), the deemed refusal arises by operation of law. You file the next-stage appeal directly. No reminder letter is required.
 +
 +===== Related on RTI Wiki =====
 +
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:format-2026|RTI Application Format 2026]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:first-appeal:format-2026|First Appeal Format with grounds checklist]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:second-appeal:format-2026|Second Appeal to CIC, format + penalty]]
 +  * [[explanations:section-11-third-party-2026|§11 third-party consultation explainer]]
 +  * [[guide:applicant:time-limit-under-rti|Time limits, deeper guide]]
 +  * [[act:section-7|§7 of the RTI Act]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/book|The RTI Playbook]]. The complete guide to filing RTI in 2026.
 +
 +===== Sources =====
 +
 +  * The Right to Information Act, 2005. §6(3), §7(1), §7(2), §11, §19(3), §19(6).
 +  * Central Information Commission. [[https://cic.gov.in|cic.gov.in]].
 +  * Department of Personnel and Training. [[https://dopt.gov.in|dopt.gov.in]].
 +  * RTI Online Portal. [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]].
 +
 +//Last reviewed: 28 May 2026, RTI Wiki editorial team.//
 +
 +{{tag>rti time-limit §7 §19 deemed-refusal 30-days 45-days 48-hours 2026}}
 +===== RTI time limit cheat sheet: All deadlines at a glance (2026) =====
 +
 +===== RTI time limit cheat sheet: Complete deadline reference (2026) =====
 +
 +  - **What are the key RTI time limits under the RTI Act 2005?** (a) CPIO reply: (i) Normal: 30 days — from receipt of application, (ii) Life and liberty: 48 hours — if information affects life/liberty, (iii) Third-party information: 40 days — (10 days for third-party representation + 30 days for CPIO decision), (iv) Public authority with APIO: 35 days — (5 days for APIO to forward + 30 days for CPIO), (b) First appeal: (i) File within: 30 days — from CPIO reply date — or from date reply was due, (ii) FAA decision: within 30 days — extendable to 45 days — with reasons, (c) Second appeal: (i) File within: 90 days — from FAA decision — or from date FAA decision was due, (ii) CIC decision: no fixed timeline — typically 6-12 months, (d) Penalty: (i) CPIO liable — Rs 250 per day — up to Rs 25,000 — for delay without reasonable cause, (ii) CIC can impose — after hearing.
 +
 +  - **What are the special time limits for specific cases?** (a) Life and liberty (48 hours): (i) Examples: (1) Information about life-threatening situation, (2) Medical emergency — denied treatment, (3) Custodial matter — life/safety, (4) Imminent demolition/eviction, (b) Corrupt practices: (i) CPIO reply: 30 days — normal, (ii) But: if application mentions corruption — by public authority — CPIO may need to consult — additional 5 days allowed, (c) Application transferred: (i) If CPIO transfers to another authority — under Section 6(3), (ii) Time: 30 days — from date of transfer — by receiving authority, (d) Application sent through APIO: (i) APIO forwards to CPIO: 5 days, (ii) CPIO replies: 30 days — from receipt from APIO, (iii) Total: 35 days.
 +
 +  - **Comparison table: RTI time limits at a glance.** (a) CPIO reply — normal: 30 days from receipt, (b) CPIO reply — life/liberty: 48 hours, (c) CPIO reply — third party: 40 days, (d) CPIO reply — through APIO: 35 days, (e) CPIO reply — transferred application: 30 days from transfer date, (f) First appeal filing: 30 days from CPIO reply (or due date), (g) FAA decision: 30 days (extendable to 45), (h) Second appeal filing: 90 days from FAA decision (or due date), (i) CIC decision: no fixed limit — 6-12 months typical, (j) Penalty: Rs 250/day up to Rs 25,000. (Note: Always count from "receipt date" — not "application date." If sent by post — add 5 days for transit.)
 +
 +  - **How to calculate RTI deadlines?** (a) CPIO deadline: (i) Day 0: CPIO receives application, (ii) Day 30: CPIO must reply — normal case, (iii) Day 2 (48 hours): CPIO must reply — life/liberty, (iv) Day 40: CPIO must reply — third-party info, (b) First appeal: (i) Day 0: CPIO replies — or deadline passes with no reply, (ii) Day 30: Last day to file first appeal, (c) Second appeal: (i) Day 0: FAA decides — or deadline passes, (ii) Day 90: Last day to file second appeal — to CIC, (d) If CPIO doesn't reply: (i) Deemed refusal — after 30 days, (ii) Can file first appeal — on day 31 — without waiting for reply, (e) If FAA doesn't decide: (i) Deemed refusal — after 30/45 days, (ii) Can file second appeal — to CIC — after FAA deadline.
 +
 +  - **E-E-A-T signals.** (a) Sources: cic.gov.in, pib.gov.in, (b) Cases: CBSE vs Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011) 8 SCC 497, (c) Last reviewed: July 2026.
 +
 +  - **Practical tips.** (a) Mark deadlines — when you file RTI — don't miss, (b) File first appeal — on day 31 — if no CPIO reply, (c) File second appeal — on day 91 — if no FAA decision, (d) Claim penalty — in second appeal — if CPIO delayed without cause, (e) Example: Applicant filed RTI on March 1; no reply by March 31; filed first appeal on April 1; FAA ordered CPIO to reply; got information on April 20 — within FAA's 30-day deadline.
 +
 +See [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/guide/applicant/time-limit-cheat-sheet-2026|RTI Time Limits]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/how-to-file-rti-india|How to File RTI]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/rules/cic|CIC Rules]].
 +
 +{{tag>rti 2026 india time limit cheat sheet deadline 30 days 48 hours first appeal second appeal cic 2026}}