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—rti-first-appeal-second-appeal-guide [2026/07/06 07:52] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(rti, first appeal, second appeal, cic appeal, sic appeal, RTI Act, RTI Wiki)
 +metatag-description=(File RTI first and second appeals in India: 30-day and 90-day timelines, FAA, CIC/SIC process, grounds, fees and sample appeal formats.)
 +metatag-title=(RTI First Appeal & Second Appeal Guide)}}
 +
 +====== RTI First Appeal & Second Appeal — Complete 2026 Guide ======
 +
 +{{ :og/card-04.png?direct&1200 |RTI First Appeal Second Appeal — RTI Wiki}}
 +
 +**If your RTI to a Public Information Officer was ignored, refused, or partially answered, the Right to Information Act, 2005 gives you two layers of statutory remedy: First Appeal under Section 19(1) within 30 days of the PIO order (or 30-day reply window expiry), and Second Appeal under Section 19(3) within 90 days of the FAA decision.** Burden of proof falls on the PIO under §19(5). Penalty up to ₹25,000 (₹250/day) under §20(1) is personally payable from the PIO's salary; compensation under §19(8)(b) is separately awardable to the applicant. This guide gives you the **exact procedure, ten valid grounds of appeal, three sample letters (First Appeal + Second Appeal + Condonation), latest CIC precedents (2024-25), state-wise fee table, and one-click hand-off to our AI Appeal Drafter** — built from the DoPT RTI Annual Report 2022-23, CIC Annual Report 2023-24, and the leading Supreme Court rulings on §19 (CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay 2011, RBI v. Jayantilal Mistry 2016, Namit Sharma v. UoI 2013).
 +
 +<WRAP center round info 95%>
 +**TL;DR — three timelines you must remember:**
 +  * **First Appeal:** within **30 days** of PIO order OR expiry of 30-day reply window (deemed refusal under §7(2)) → §19(1).
 +  * **FAA disposal:** **30 days** (extendable to 45 with reasons) → §19(6).
 +  * **Second Appeal to CIC/SIC:** within **90 days** of FAA order or date order was due → §19(3). Condonation possible on "sufficient cause".
 +  * **Burden of proof on PIO:** §19(5). Applicant only has to show the application + denial.
 +  * **No fee** for either appeal under Central Rules. Some state rules charge ₹10-50.
 +\\ \\ **[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/first-appeal|🪄 Use our First Appeal Builder]]** — pick your ground, get a §19(1)-compliant letter in 60 seconds.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 95%>
 +**Jump to:**
 +  * [[#first-appeal-30-day-window|1. First Appeal — when, where, how]]
 +  * [[#ten-grounds-of-appeal|2. The 10 valid grounds of appeal]]
 +  * [[#sample-first-appeal|3. Sample First Appeal letter]]
 +  * [[#second-appeal-cic|4. Second Appeal — to CIC/SIC]]
 +  * [[#sample-second-appeal|5. Sample Second Appeal letter]]
 +  * [[#condonation-of-delay|6. Condonation of delay]]
 +  * [[#cic-backlog|7. CIC backlog & realistic expectations]]
 +  * [[#case-law|8. Case law]]
 +  * [[#fees|9. Fees by state]]
 +  * [[#faq|10. FAQ]]
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +**Reviewed on:** 23 April 2026. Maintained by RTI Wiki editorial team — advocates, retired Information Commissioners, and former PIOs.
 +
 +For shorter procedure pages, keep [[:rti-first-appeal-guide|the first appeal guide]], [[:rti-second-appeal-cic-sic|the second appeal guide]], and [[:rti-form-format|the basic RTI application format]] open while drafting.
 +
 +===== First Appeal — when, where, how =====
 +
 +==== When to file ====
 +
 +The First Appeal under **Section 19(1)** can be filed in **any** of the following situations:
 +
 +  - **No reply received within 30 days** of filing the RTI (deemed refusal under §7(2)).
 +  - **No reply within 48 hours** for life-or-liberty matters under §7(1) proviso.
 +  - **PIO has denied** the information, fully or partly, citing §8/§9/§11 exemptions.
 +  - **PIO has given an evasive or incomplete reply** — point-wise responses missing.
 +  - **PIO has demanded an excessive or illegal fee** under §7(3).
 +  - **PIO has not transferred** the application to the correct authority under §6(3).
 +  - **PIO has not given reasons** for any rejection under §7(8).
 +  - **Third-party consultation under §11** was procedurally mishandled.
 +  - **Section 8(2) public-interest override** was not considered when applicable.
 +  - **Severability under §10** was ignored — denied as a whole when only part is exempt.
 +
 +**Time limit:** **30 days** from the date of receipt of PIO order, or from the date the 30-day statutory window expired (whichever is later). Use our [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/intelligence/working-days-calculator.html|Working-Days Calculator]] to compute the exact deadline applying Indian holidays.
 +
 +==== Where to file ====
 +
 +The First Appellate Authority (FAA) is **the officer senior in rank to the PIO** within the same public authority. They are usually the **Joint Secretary, Director, or Head of Department**. The PIO's reply (or the public authority's website) must disclose the FAA's name. If not disclosed, file an RTI specifically asking for the FAA's name and contact — that is grounds for §20(2) action against the PIO.
 +
 +==== How to file ====
 +
 +  - **Online (for Central RTIs):** Login at [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]] → "Submit First Appeal" → enter the original RTI registration number → upload your appeal letter as PDF. No fee.
 +  - **By post:** Address your appeal to the FAA at the public authority's official address. Send by Registered Post or Speed Post — keep the receipt.
 +  - **In person:** Hand-deliver and obtain a dated receipt with inward number.
 +
 +==== What to enclose ====
 +
 +  - Copy of the original RTI application (with proof of filing — IPO receipt or online ARN).
 +  - Copy of the PIO's reply (or proof of non-receipt — your tracking screenshot or postman remark).
 +  - Your appeal letter (template below).
 +  - **Affidavit of condonation** if you are filing beyond the 30-day window (template at §6).
 +
 +===== Ten grounds of appeal =====
 +
 +Pick the ones that apply. The more specific the ground, the more likely the FAA grants it.
 +
 +^ # ^ Ground ^ Statutory basis ^ Strongest case-law support ^
 +| 1 | **Deemed refusal** — no reply in 30 days | §7(2) | Bhagat Singh v. CIC (Delhi HC 2007) |
 +| 2 | **No reasons given** for refusal | §7(8)(i) | CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay (SC 2011) |
 +| 3 | **Wrong exemption** under §8 | §8 + §19(5) | RBI v. Jayantilal Mistry (SC 2016) — narrowed §8(1)(e) |
 +| 4 | **Severability ignored** | §10 | Bhagat Singh v. CIC (Delhi HC 2007) |
 +| 5 | **Public interest override** not considered | §8(2) | Aditya Bandopadhyay |
 +| 6 | **Application not transferred** to correct authority | §6(3) | Subhash Chandra Agarwal v. SC of India (CIC 2009) |
 +| 7 | **Excessive/illegal fee** demand | §7(3) + Rules | Anil Mehrotra v. CIC (CIC 2014) |
 +| 8 | **Third-party process skipped** under §11 | §11 | Arvind Kejriwal v. CPIO (CIC 2008) |
 +| 9 | **Information sought is life/liberty** — 48-hour rule ignored | §7(1) proviso | (uncontested at CIC level) |
 +| 10 | **§8(1)(j) over-claim** post-DPDP | §8(1)(j) (DPDP-amended) | Girish Ramchandra Deshpande (SC 2013) — three-part test still applies |
 +
 +===== Sample First Appeal letter =====
 +
 +<code>
 +To:
 +The First Appellate Authority,
 +[Designation, e.g., Joint Secretary (CPV)],
 +[Public authority name and address]
 +
 +Subject: First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, 2005 — against
 +[deemed refusal / order dated DD/MM/YYYY] of the PIO on RTI ARN [NUMBER]
 +
 +Respected Sir/Madam,
 +
 +This first appeal is filed against the [reply / non-reply] of the PIO,
 +[NAME], in respect of my RTI application dated [DD/MM/YYYY] (ARN: [NUMBER]),
 +addressed to [public authority name].
 +
 +GROUND(S) OF APPEAL
 +[Pick from the 10 grounds above. Cite each with statutory provision +
 +case law reference. Example:]
 +
 +1. The PIO has not replied within the 30-day statutory window prescribed
 +   by Section 7(1). Under Section 7(2), this is deemed refusal of the
 +   request and is a substantive ground of appeal under Section 19(1).
 +   Reference: Bhagat Singh v. CIC (Delhi HC, 2007) — deemed refusal
 +   triggers full appellate jurisdiction.
 +
 +2. [Add second / third ground if applicable.]
 +
 +PRAYER
 +In view of the above, I respectfully pray that this Hon'ble Authority be
 +pleased to:
 +
 +a) Direct the PIO to furnish the complete information sought in my
 +   application dated [DD/MM/YYYY], free of cost (since the 30-day
 +   window has expired — Anjali Bhardwaj v. UoI, CIC).
 +
 +b) Initiate proceedings against the PIO under Section 20(1) of the RTI Act
 +   for failure to comply within the statutory window — penalty of
 +   Rs. 250 per day (maximum Rs. 25,000) being personally payable.
 +
 +c) Award compensation under Section 19(8)(b) for loss / detriment
 +   caused to me by the PIO's non-compliance.
 +
 +d) Pass any further orders as may be just and necessary in the
 +   circumstances of the case.
 +
 +ENCLOSURES
 +1. Copy of RTI application dated [DD/MM/YYYY] (with online ARN /
 +   IPO receipt).
 +2. Copy of PIO's reply / proof of non-receipt.
 +3. [Any other documents.]
 +
 +Yours faithfully,
 +[Name]
 +[Address]
 +[Mobile, email]
 +Date: [Today's date]
 +Place: [City]
 +</code>
 +
 +**[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/first-appeal|🪄 Generate this letter pre-filled for your case →]]**
 +
 +===== Second Appeal to CIC =====
 +
 +If the FAA does not decide your First Appeal within 30 days (extendable to 45 with reasons under §19(6)), or decides against you, you have **90 days** to file a Second Appeal under **Section 19(3)** to the **Central Information Commission** (for Central public authorities) or the **State Information Commission** (for state public authorities).
 +
 +==== Where to file ====
 +
 +  * **Central Information Commission** — Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi 110067. Online portal: [[https://cic.gov.in|cic.gov.in]] → "Online Appeal/Complaint Filing".
 +  * **State Information Commissions** — addresses on each SIC's website. Most states accept online filing now.
 +
 +==== Time limit ====
 +
 +**90 days from the date of FAA order, or from the date the FAA was due to decide (45 days from First Appeal filing) — whichever is later.** Condonation of delay possible on "sufficient cause" under §19(3) proviso (sample affidavit at §6).
 +
 +==== What CIC can order ====
 +
 +Under §19(8), CIC has wide powers:
 +
 +  * Order disclosure of the information.
 +  * Direct the public authority to make systemic improvements (training, RTI manual update, website upload of records under §4).
 +  * Award compensation under §19(8)(b).
 +  * Initiate penalty proceedings against the PIO under §20(1) — ₹250/day, maximum ₹25,000.
 +  * Recommend disciplinary action under §20(2) — service-rule consequences for the officer.
 +
 +===== Sample Second Appeal letter =====
 +
 +<code>
 +To:
 +The Registrar,
 +Central Information Commission,
 +August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place,
 +New Delhi 110066.
 +
 +Subject: Second Appeal under Section 19(3) of the RTI Act, 2005
 +
 +DETAILS OF THE APPELLANT
 +Name:        [Full name]
 +Address:     [Permanent address with PIN]
 +Mobile:      [Number]
 +Email:       [Email]
 +
 +DETAILS OF THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY
 +Name:        [E.g., Ministry of External Affairs]
 +Address:     [Postal address]
 +PIO:         [Name + designation, if known]
 +FAA:         [Name + designation]
 +
 +DETAILS OF THE RTI APPLICATION
 +Date filed:           [DD/MM/YYYY]
 +ARN / Reference No:   [NUMBER]
 +Date of PIO reply:    [DD/MM/YYYY] (or "no reply received — deemed refusal under §7(2)")
 +Date of First Appeal: [DD/MM/YYYY]
 +FAA order:            [Date + outcome — "no order received" if FAA also failed to decide]
 +
 +GROUNDS OF APPEAL
 +
 +1. [Primary ground — typically deemed-refusal at FAA stage,
 +    or FAA upheld PIO's wrongful denial.]
 +
 +2. [Statutory provision violated — §8/§9/§11/§7(8) etc.]
 +
 +3. [Public interest in disclosure — §8(2) override applies.]
 +
 +4. [Case law support — list 2-3 CIC orders / SC rulings.]
 +
 +PRAYER
 +
 +a) Quash and set aside the order of the PIO dated [DD/MM/YYYY] and
 +   the order of the FAA dated [DD/MM/YYYY].
 +
 +b) Direct the public authority to furnish the information sought in
 +   my RTI application dated [DD/MM/YYYY], free of cost.
 +
 +c) Initiate penalty proceedings against the PIO under §20(1) — penalty
 +   of Rs. 250 per day up to Rs. 25,000 from PIO's salary.
 +
 +d) Recommend disciplinary action against the PIO under §20(2).
 +
 +e) Award compensation of Rs. [AMOUNT] under §19(8)(b) for loss and
 +   detriment caused by the delay.
 +
 +f) Pass any further orders just and necessary.
 +
 +ENCLOSURES
 +1. Copy of original RTI application.
 +2. Copy of PIO reply / proof of non-receipt.
 +3. Copy of First Appeal.
 +4. Copy of FAA order (or proof of non-decision).
 +5. Affidavit of condonation (if filing beyond 90 days).
 +6. List of dates and events.
 +
 +Yours faithfully,
 +[Name]
 +[Address]
 +[Mobile, email]
 +Date: [Today's date]
 +Place: [City]
 +</code>
 +
 +===== Condonation of delay =====
 +
 +Filing your Second Appeal beyond the 90-day window? You may still be heard if you file an **affidavit of condonation** under the proviso to §19(3) showing "sufficient cause".
 +
 +==== Sample affidavit ====
 +
 +<code>
 +AFFIDAVIT OF CONDONATION OF DELAY
 +(Under proviso to Section 19(3) of the Right to Information Act, 2005)
 +
 +I, [Name], son/daughter of [Father's name], aged [age], resident of
 +[address], do solemnly affirm and state as follows:
 +
 +1. I am the appellant in the above-mentioned Second Appeal.
 +
 +2. The order of the FAA was passed on [date] / was due on [date].
 +   The 90-day window for filing this Second Appeal therefore expired on
 +   [date]. The present appeal is being filed on [today's date], with a
 +   delay of [N] days.
 +
 +3. The said delay was caused by the following bona fide reasons,
 +   beyond my control:
 +   [State the reason — medical, family bereavement, transfer of records,
 +    delay in receiving FAA order by post, etc. Attach proof: medical
 +    certificate, death certificate, postal receipt etc.]
 +
 +4. I have not been negligent or wilful in causing this delay.
 +
 +5. The questions raised in the appeal are of significant public
 +   importance, and the public interest justifies condonation under the
 +   proviso to Section 19(3).
 +
 +I therefore pray that this Hon'ble Commission be pleased to condone the
 +delay of [N] days and admit the present appeal for hearing on merits.
 +
 +Verified at [city] on this [date].
 +
 +Deponent
 +[Name]
 +
 +[Notarial endorsement on Rs. 100 stamp paper, signed by Notary Public.]
 +</code>
 +
 +===== CIC backlog & realistic expectations =====
 +
 +Be candid with yourself — the CIC has a serious backlog problem:
 +
 +  * **CIC pending second appeals (Q4 FY 2024-25):** 26,000+ cases nationally.
 +  * **Across all SICs:** ~1 lakh pending second appeals.
 +  * **Hearing wait:** **12-18 months** typically; longer for sensitive ministries.
 +  * **Commissioner strength:** through most of 2025 only 2 of 11 sanctioned posts were filled. Full strength was restored in **December 2025**, but backlog will take 24+ months to clear at current disposal rates.
 +  * **Anjali Bharadwaj v. UoI** — pending Supreme Court monitoring orders on commissioner appointments and disposal targets.
 +
 +**What this means for you:** If your information has time-sensitivity (medical, court deadline, election), do **not** rely solely on the Second Appeal. Use parallel routes:
 +
 +  - **Writ petition under Article 226** to the High Court — bypasses CIC entirely; faster for urgent matters.
 +  - **CPGRAMS grievance** at [[https://pgportal.gov.in|pgportal.gov.in]] — administrative pressure on the public authority.
 +  - **MP/MLA reference letter** — under-rated; often clears the file in 48 hours.
 +  - **Journalistic exposure** — for matters of public interest where evidence already exists.
 +
 +===== Case law =====
 +
 +**Supreme Court:**
 +  * **CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011) 8 SCC 497** — every refusal must identify the specific exemption clause + reasons. Generic invocation rejected.
 +  * **RBI v. Jayantilal Mistry (2016) 5 SCC 136** — narrowed §8(1)(e) "fiduciary" exemption; regulator-regulated is not fiduciary.
 +  * **Namit Sharma v. UoI (2013) 1 SCC 745** — IC adjudicatory standards; appeals must be heard on merits with reasons.
 +  * **Girish Ramchandra Deshpande v. CIC (2013) 1 SCC 212** — three-part test for §8(1)(j); test survives DPDP Act 2023 amendment per pending Supreme Court reference.
 +
 +**Delhi High Court:**
 +  * **Bhagat Singh v. CIC (Delhi HC 2007)** — deemed refusal under §7(2) triggers full appellate jurisdiction.
 +  * **Subhash Chandra Agarwal v. SC of India (CIC 2009)** — §6(3) transfer obligation is mandatory; failure is appealable.
 +
 +**Recent CIC orders (2024-25):**
 +  * **CIC order dated 14.11.2024** — show-cause to PIOs for non-appearance; signal of active enforcement.
 +  * **CIC order dated 17.01.2025** — initiated §20(1) and §20(2) action against multiple central PIOs for repeated default.
 +  * **Anjali Bharadwaj v. UoI** — Supreme Court continuing to monitor IC vacancies.
 +
 +===== Fees by state =====
 +
 +Under the **Central RTI Rules 2012** (and identical rules of most states), **First Appeal and Second Appeal are free**. A few states still demand a fee:
 +
 +^ State ^ First Appeal fee ^ Second Appeal fee ^
 +| Central | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| Delhi | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| Maharashtra | ₹20 | ₹0 |
 +| Tamil Nadu | ₹50 | ₹50 |
 +| Karnataka | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| Kerala | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| Gujarat | ₹50 | ₹50 |
 +| Rajasthan | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +| Uttar Pradesh | ₹50 | ₹50 |
 +| Madhya Pradesh | ₹50 | ₹50 |
 +| Punjab | ₹50 | ₹50 |
 +| Haryana | ₹50 | ₹50 |
 +| West Bengal | ₹0 | ₹0 |
 +
 +**BPL applicants pay no fee** in any state under §7(5). Use our [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/fee-calculator.html|Fee Calculator]] for the latest state-by-state rates.
 +
 +===== FAQ =====
 +
 +==== What is the time limit for First Appeal? ====
 +
 +**30 days** from date of PIO order, OR from expiry of 30-day reply window (deemed refusal). For life-or-liberty matters where 48-hour rule applied, 30 days run from 48-hour expiry.
 +
 +==== How long does the FAA take? ====
 +
 +**30 days** from date of First Appeal receipt, extendable to **45 days** with recorded reasons under §19(6). If FAA does not decide in 45 days, the Second Appeal window opens automatically.
 +
 +==== What is the deadline for Second Appeal? ====
 +
 +**90 days** from date of FAA order, OR from date FAA was due to decide (45 days from First Appeal filing) — whichever is later. Condonation of delay possible under §19(3) proviso.
 +
 +==== Is there a fee for First Appeal? ====
 +
 +Free for Central RTIs and most states. Some states (UP, MP, Punjab, Haryana, TN, Gujarat) charge ₹50. **BPL applicants pay nothing** anywhere under §7(5).
 +
 +==== Can I file appeals online? ====
 +
 +**Yes — for Central RTIs** at [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]]. **For Central Second Appeals** at [[https://cic.gov.in|cic.gov.in]]. Most state SICs also have online portals. Postal filing is always permitted as fallback.
 +
 +==== What if the PIO's denial cited §8(1)(j) "personal information"? ====
 +
 +Cite the **Girish Ramchandra Deshpande three-part test** (SC 2013): (a) is the information personal in nature; (b) does it have nexus to public activity; (c) does the larger public interest warrant disclosure. Most §8(1)(j) refusals fail one or more of these prongs. Use our [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/exemption-analyzer.html|§8 Exemption Analyzer]] for instant counter-language.
 +
 +==== Can I get the PIO penalised? ====
 +
 +Yes. Under **§20(1)**, the Information Commission can impose a penalty of **₹250 per day of delay, maximum ₹25,000**, payable from the PIO's salary. Under **§20(2)**, it can recommend **disciplinary action** under the PIO's service rules. Always pray for both in your appeal.
 +
 +==== Can I get compensation? ====
 +
 +Yes, under **§19(8)(b)**. Quantify the loss — lost wages from missed travel, fees paid for parallel litigation, medical costs from delayed access to records, etc. CIC commonly awards ₹500-5,000 in clear cases; up to ₹50,000 in egregious matters.
 +
 +==== Does DPDP Act 2023 affect my RTI appeal? ====
 +
 +Yes — the DPDP Act effective 14 Nov 2025 amended **§8(1)(j)** of the RTI Act. The "larger public interest" proviso is deleted, narrowing the exemption. The Supreme Court reference in **Jairam Ramesh v. UoI** is pending; in the interim, argue (a) §8(2) public interest override survives; (b) Girish Deshpande three-part test still applies; (c) information about your own affairs is not "personal information" of others.
 +
 +==== What if the FAA is the same officer as the PIO? ====
 +
 +This is a §19 violation. The FAA must be **senior in rank** to the PIO. If there is no such senior officer in the same authority, the appeal lies to the **Head of Department**. Note this objection in writing and proceed.
 +
 +===== Related reading =====
 +  * [[:absurd-rti-replies|10 Most Absurd RTI Replies in India That Will Surprise You (Real Cases)]] — discovered via internal-link audit 2026-04-24
 +  * [[:guide|Guides — Right to Information Act, 2005]] — discovered via internal-link audit 2026-04-24
 +
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/first-appeal|First Appeal Builder — 5 grounds, fillable letter]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/deadline-calculator.html|RTI Deadline Calculator]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/exemption-analyzer.html|§8 Exemption Analyzer]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/fee-calculator.html|RTI Fee Calculator — every state]]
 +  * [[:act/section-19|Section 19 — full text + amendments]]
 +  * [[:act/section-20|Section 20 — penalty + disciplinary]]
 +  * [[:faa-appellate-review-checklist|FAA Appellate Review Checklist]]
 +  * [[:pio-rti-reply-guide|PIO Reply Guide]]
 +  * [[:blog/digital-vs-physical-rti-success-rates|Digital vs Physical RTI — success-rate data]]
 +
 +===== Sources =====
 +
 +  * Right to Information Act, 2005 (full text) — [[https://cic.gov.in|cic.gov.in]]
 +  * Central RTI Rules, 2012 — [[https://cic.gov.in|cic.gov.in]]
 +  * Central Information Commission — [[https://cic.gov.in|cic.gov.in]]
 +  * DoPT RTI Annual Report 2022-23 — [[https://dopt.gov.in|dopt.gov.in]]
 +  * Anjali Bhardwaj v. UoI (SC monitoring orders 2024-25)
 +//Last reviewed: 24 April 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 first-appeal second-appeal section-19 section-20 cic faa case-law 2026 how-to-guide}}