Application Guidelines:
While filing an RTI application, the framing of the questions is very important. A slight misunderstanding or vague questions gives the PIO a chance to reject your application. Follow these guidelines:
- Use a white sheet of paper to write an application. There is no need to using Note-sheet, or the Court stamp paper. You can use your letter pad for asking for information The matter can be hand written, or typed. There is no compulsion of typing the content.
- Make sure the application is legible and easy to read. There is no restriction on number of pages for asking information. There are also no restriction on number of questions that can be asked in one application. However, it is generally advisable to ask restrict one application with limited set of questions and generally related ones.
- Be very specific & ask to the point questions. Don’t ask vague questions. Ask as many short questions as you like ,but don’t ask for voluminous information.
- Ask information always by writing your name and signature, and not by your post, as only citizen have the right to information. Do not ask a question containing ‘WHY’! For example, questions like why you failed to pass the bill, is liable to be rejected for not covering under RTI Act.
- You can ask for reasons behind a “administrative” or a “quasi-judicial” decision under Section 4(1)(d), especially if you are a “affected person” If the information sought is voluminous, it is better to ask it in the form of CD to save on cost.
- Remember that, you do not need to write the reason for asking the information. Mention the payment details like BC/DD/IPO number, issuing bank/post office, date, cash receipt details , etc., towards the end of your application
How to submit a RTI Application
You will need a proof, that your RTI application has been received by the PIO. The tested methods to submit a RTI application are:
- Personally, by hand: Please ensure that you get your copy of the application and proof of payment duly stamped, signed and dated, either by the PIO or by the inward department
- Registered Post AD: The AD card will act as proof of submission, after it is returned to you by the postal department. In case the AD card does not come back with a proper stamp, signature and date of receipt, follow up with the despatching post office to get the AD card completed
- Speed Post : Track it on
Time limits specified in the RTI Act
Various time limit has been prescribed under which the information can be obtained under Right to Information Act. These time limits are prescribed by the Act itself, and failing which an RTI Applicant can approach appropriate authorities for relief.
Following are the various time limits specified in the RTI Act 2005
- For matters involving “Life and Liberty”: the time limit for the PIO to provide information is 48 Hours.
- For PIO to reply to application : 30 days from date of receipt of application
- For PIO to transfer to another PA under Sec 6(3): 5 days from date of receipt of application
- For PIO to issue notice to 3rd Party : 5 days from date of receipt of application
- For 3rd Party to make a representation to PIO : 10 days from receipt of notice from PIO
- For PIO to reply to application if 3rd Party involved : 40 days from date of receipt of application
- For applicant to make First Appeal : 30 days from date of receipt of PIO’s reply or from date when reply was to be received
- For First Appellate Authority to pass an order : 30 days from receipt of First Appeal OR Maximum 45 days, if reasons for delay are given in writing
- For applicant to make Second Appeal before CIC/SIC : 90 days from receipt of First Appeal orders or from the date when orders were to be received
- For CIC/SIC to decide Second Appeal : No time limit specified
