A reference note on the working of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in Delhi (UT). Where the State position differs from the Central rules, the State practice is noted. Readers who rely on these rules for a live application, appeal, or complaint are advised to confirm against the official Delhi Gazette or the Central Information Commission (for Delhi Government public authorities, the Delhi-specific bench of the CIC and the Delhi State Information Commission jurisdictionally) before filing.

Public authorities under the administration of Delhi (UT) are, for second-appeal purposes, within the jurisdiction of the Central Information Commission (for Delhi Government public authorities, the Delhi-specific bench of the CIC and the Delhi State Information Commission jurisdictionally). Complaints under Section 18 and second appeals under Section 19(3) against those public authorities are filed before the CIC at New Delhi.

• The Right to Information Act, 2005 — the Central Act applies across India, including in Delhi (UT).
• State rules under Section 27 of the Act — Delhi (UT) has notified its own rules covering the form of application, fees, and procedure before public authorities. Confirm the exact title and latest amendment against the current Gazette.
• Second-appeal procedure rules — procedure before the State Information Commission for second appeals under Section 19(3) and complaints under Section 18.

Application fees in Delhi (UT) are typically Rs 10 per application. BPL applicants are exempt on production of a valid ration card or certificate. Copies of records are charged per page at the rate specified in the rules. The fee may be paid by Indian Postal Order, demand draft, cash at the PIO's counter, or through the online portal where available. Confirm the current fee against the latest State notification, as figures may have been revised.

For Delhi Government departments, file online at the Delhi Government portal or at the department's PIO counter. For Central Government offices located in Delhi (most Ministries), use the Central online portal at rtionline.gov.in.

See How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step for the Central online procedure, and Why RTI Applications Get Rejected for drafting pitfalls to avoid.

Delhi, being the National Capital Territory, is distinctive in that a large share of public authorities located here are Central Government bodies under the jurisdiction of the Central Information Commission, while the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi's own departments come under the Delhi State Information Commission.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, notified on 14 November 2025, substituted the text of Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005. The substitution applies uniformly across all States and Union Territories. The public-interest override under Section 8(2) is unchanged. For the practical effect on PIO replies, see Section 8(1)(j) after the DPDP Rules, 2025 and DPDP Act vs RTI — the 2026 position.

Rules, fee figures, and procedural timelines in Delhi (UT) may have been revised by State notification since their original issue. Always confirm the current text against the Delhi Government portal and the official website of the relevant Information Commission.

• RTI Rules — Central, State, and Commission rules.
• The Right to Information Act, 2005 — current text.
• How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step.
• The Digital RTI, 2026 — State-by-State online RTI.
• Why RTI Applications Get Rejected — and How to Avoid It.
• Guide for applicants.
• DPDP Act vs RTI — the 2026 position.

1. The Right to Information Act, 2005 (No. 22 of 2005), Sections 15 and 27.
2. The State rules notified by the Government of Delhi under Section 27 of the Act.
3. The Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 (notified 14 November 2025).

20 April 2026