Top 15 myths about RTI — what you CAN ask, what you CANNOT, and the reality. Citizen handbook (2026). Common misconceptions about RTI deter citizens.

Common misconceptions about RTI deter citizens. This guide busts the top 15.

• RTI Act, 2005 §2(f) (information), §6, §8 (exemptions), §22 (override clause).

To:
The Public Information Officer (PIO),
[Office name + address].

Subject: RTI under §6 — Common query

Sir/Madam,

No template — see individual myths in body for the right framing of each query.

Yours faithfully,
[Name]
[Address + phone + email]
[Date]

• Refer to specific topic guides for actual escalation paths.

• Khanapuram Gandaiah (SC, 2010) — PIO not required to create new information.
• Aditya Bandopadhyay (SC, 2011) — Existing records ARE information.
• CBSE v. Aditya (SC, 2011) — Examination records disclosable.

• Asking 'why' instead of asking for the file noting.
• Asking 'is X true' instead of asking for the document on X.
• Asking for opinion / advice / interpretation.

No — Khanapuram Gandaiah holds RTI is for existing records, not opinions.

Yes — but excessive filing without genuine need can attract abuse-of-process bar in extreme cases.

No — any Indian citizen can file.

Application fee Rs. 10. BPL applicants exempt.

Limited by §8(1)(j) — only with genuine public interest.

• RTI form format
• File RTI online
• File RTI online — 12 steps
• RTI — 25 questions answered

• RTI Act, 2005 — full text.
• Citation chain in body.
• Citizen Charter of the relevant authority.
• Case-law database at /cases/search.

Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.