The Right to Information Act, 2005 is one of India's most powerful citizen tools. It gives every Indian citizen the legal right to ask any government body for information it holds — regardless of your education, income, or influence. Government departments, public sector companies, courts, and even political parties that receive significant government funding are covered.
The Supreme Court has held that RTI flows from Article 19(1)(a) — the right to freedom of speech and expression. A public authority cannot simply ignore your application. Doing so is a punishable offence under the Act.
What You Can — and Cannot — Ask For
What's in scope vs what's exempt
How to File an RTI — Step by Step
Filing Online (Central Government)
Go to rtionline.gov.in
Create a free account using your mobile number. No documents needed.
Select the Ministry/Department
Choose the public authority that holds the information you need. If unsure, choose the nodal ministry and it will be transferred.
Write your application
Use plain language. Each question should be specific and verifiable. You can ask multiple related questions in one application.
Pay ₹10
Online payment via UPI/debit card. BPL cardholders are fully exempt — upload your BPL card.
Note your registration number
You will get an SMS and email with your RTI registration number. Keep it — you need it for appeals.
Be specific — 'Please provide a copy of the file noting for Application No. XYZ dated DD/MM/YYYY' works better than 'please give all records.' Ask for documents, not explanations. If an officer ignores you, filing a First Appeal is free and usually resolves it faster than a complaint.
RTI in Numbers — India 2025
- 80+ lakh RTI applications filed annually across India
- ~32% rejected at first instance (first appeal resolves many)
- 30 days: standard response deadline (48 hours for life/liberty matters)
- ₹10: application fee (free for BPL cardholders)
- First Appeal: free, to first appellate authority, within 30 days
- Second Appeal: to CIC/SIC, free, penalty up to ₹25,000 on errant official
If a public authority does not respond to your RTI application within 30 days, what is your first step?
Deepak Rao
Ground Correspondent