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Media Manager

Q: What is the single most common reason RTI applications get rejected?

Asking a question or an opinion instead of asking for a document. The Act gives access to existing records. A "why" question can almost always be rephrased as a request for the file noting, the order, or the decision letter.

Q: Is there a time limit to file a first appeal after rejection?

Yes. Thirty days from the date of the Officer's reply or from the date the reply was due in case of deemed refusal. The First Appellate Authority may condone delay for sufficient cause under Section 19(1).

Q: Can the Public Information Officer reject for asking too much information?

Yes, under Section 7(9) if compliance would disproportionately divert the resources of the public authority. The remedy is to split the request into multiple narrower applications.

Q: If Section 8(1)(j) is invoked, can I still get the information?

Possibly, through Section 8(2) of the Act — the public-interest override. After the 14 November 2025 amendment, Section 8(2) is the sole route for an override on personal-information matters.

Q: How do I know which public authority has my information?

Check the public authority's Section 4(1)(b) suo motu disclosure on its website for the subject-wise list of records. If unsure, file with the most proximate authority and rely on the transfer rule under Section 6(3).