Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(rti form format, rti application format, rti template, rti sample, rti drafting)
+metatag-description=(Valid RTI application format for India: addressee, fee, signature, address, numbered questions, State variants and common drafting mistakes.)
+metatag-title=(RTI Form Format and Application Template)}}
+====== RTI Form Format — what a valid RTI application must contain (2026) ======
+{{ :social:auto:rti-form-format.png?direct&1200 |RTI Form Format — what a valid RTI application must contain (2026)}}
+<WRAP center round info 95%>
+**Quick Reply:** Valid RTI application format for India: addressee, fee, signature, address, numbered questions, State variants and common drafting mistakes.
+</WRAP>
+<WRAP info>
+What constitutes a valid RTI application?.
+</WRAP>
+**Valid RTI application — essential elements, fee, signature, addressee. Sample format + State variants + case law (2026).**
+===== Why this RTI works =====
+What constitutes a valid RTI application?
+===== Legal framework =====
+  * **RTI Act, 2005** §6 (right to ask), §7 (reply), §27 (rule-making by State).
+  * **RTI Rules** of the relevant Government (Centre / State).
+===== RTI template — copy & file =====
+<code>
+To:
+The Public Information Officer (PIO),
+[Office name + address].
+Subject: RTI under §6 — RTI Form Format — what a valid query
+Sir/Madam,
+A valid RTI application typically contains:
+. **Addressee** — 'The Public Information Officer (PIO), [Office]'.
+. **Subject** — 'Application under the Right to Information Act, 2005'.
+. **Body** — Specific, numbered queries.
+. **Fee** — Rs. 10 IPO/DD/Court-fee stamp (varies by State).
+. **Signature + Date + Address**.
+. **Phone / Email** (recommended).
+A sample query (you can copy):
+To: The Public Information Officer, [Office Name].
+Subject: Application under the RTI Act, 2005.
+Sir/Madam, under the RTI Act, 2005, please provide:
+. [Specific query 1]
+. [Specific query 2]
+Rs. 10 IPO No. [NUMBER] enclosed.
+Yours faithfully, [Name + signature + address + date].
+Yours faithfully,
+[Name]
+[Address + phone + email]
+[Date]
+</code>
+===== Escalation timeline =====
+  * **Day 31** File a [[:rti-first-appeal-guide|First Appeal under §19(1)]] if there is no reply or the reply is incomplete.
+  * **After the FAA window** Use [[:rti-second-appeal-cic-sic|the Second Appeal guide]] for CIC/SIC escalation.
+  * **For emergencies** Use [[:urgent-rti-life-liberty|the life-and-liberty RTI format]] only where the 48-hour proviso genuinely applies.
+===== Case law anchors =====
+  * **Khanapuram Gandaiah v. UoI (SC, 2010)** — Queries must seek 'information' as defined; not opinions.
+  * **Bhagat Singh v. CIC (Delhi HC, 2007)** — Speaking-reasons doctrine.
+===== Common mistakes =====
+  * Asking opinions ('please clarify the position').
+  * Asking 'why' ('why was X done?') — seek the file noting instead.
+  * Wrong fee mode — check State Rule (some need court-fee stamp, some IPO).
+===== Frequently asked questions =====
+==== Can I file in any language? ====
+Yes — Hindi, English, or official language of the State.
+==== Must the application be on paper? ====
+Most States accept online or paper. Online via rtionline.gov.in for Centre, State portals where notified.
+===== Related reading =====
+  * [[:file-rti-online-india|File RTI online — 12 steps]]
+  * [[:rti-myths|Common RTI myths busted]]
+  * [[:state-rti-portals-directory|State RTI online portals]]
+  * [[:faq|RTI — 25 questions answered]]
+===== Sources =====
+  * RTI Act, 2005 — full text.
+  * Citation chain in body.
+  * Citizen Charter of the relevant authority.
+  * Case-law database at [[:cases:search|/cases/search]].
+//Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.// {{tag>rti form format application drafting tier-3 2026}}