A reference note on the working of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in the State of Tamil Nadu. Where information differs from the Central rules, the State position is noted. Readers relying on these rules for a live application, appeal, or complaint are advised to confirm against the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette or the Tamil Nadu Information Commission website.

The Tamil Nadu Information Commission (TNIC) is constituted under Section 15 of the RTI Act, 2005, seated at Chennai. It hears second appeals under Section 19(3) and complaints under Section 18 against State public authorities. Tamil Nadu was among the earlier States to constitute its Commission after the Act came into force on 12 October 2005.

• The Tamil Nadu Right to Information (Fees) Rules, 2005 — the State rules on application fees and copying charges under Section 27.
• The Tamil Nadu Information Commission (Appeal Procedure) Rules — the procedure before the Commission.
• Official language of filing: Applications may be filed in Tamil or English under Section 6(1) read with Article 350 of the Constitution.

Under State rules, application fees are modest (the Rs 10 order is commonly followed; verify the current figure). Copies are charged per page as prescribed. BPL applicants produce a valid certificate for exemption. Fee payment methods accepted include Indian Postal Order, demand draft, court-fee stamps in some districts, and cash at the counter.

For State Government departments (Revenue, Home, Rural Development, Public Works, Education), file with the Public Information Officer of the concerned department. Tamil Nadu's online RTI portal has been piloted at district level for certain departments — check tn.gov.in for the current status. For Central Government departments in Tamil Nadu, use rtionline.gov.in. See How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step.

Tamil Nadu's RTI fee rules and Commission procedure rules have been amended by notification since 2005. Confirm the current fee, form, and postal address against the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette or the State Information Commission before filing.

• 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.
• Why RTI Applications Get Rejected — and How to Avoid It.
• Guide for applicants.

1. The Right to Information Act, 2005 (No. 22 of 2005), Sections 15 and 27.
2. The Tamil Nadu Right to Information (Fees) Rules, 2005, as notified under the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette.
3. The Tamil Nadu Information Commission (Appeal Procedure) Rules.

19 April 2026