How to draft an application?

The choice of words in raising the queries is very important. An analysis of the disposal of the past applications shows that wrongly worded applications may lead to confusion resulting into delay or denial of information. Therefore, an applicant should be careful while penning an application.

A few suggestions are:

1. Application should be in a simple and easy language.
2. Avoid using too technical terms or legal jargon.
3. The application must be legible - either typed or neatly handwritten.
4. The queries must be specific and to the point leaving no room for ambiguity. Vague questions may confuse the PIO leading to vague answers. Further, some PIOs may use it as an excuse to avoid giving specific information.
5. If the applicant is not certain regarding which specific documents are required, he may first seek inspection of the record so as to identify the same.
6. The length of the application should not be too long.
7. The number of questions and sub-questions should be limited.
8. As no additions can be made at the appellate level, all the information required should be sought at the time of making the initial application.
9. The reasons for seeking exempted information claiming overriding Public Interest should be emphatically given in the application. Remember, the onus is on the applicant to prove that there is an overriding Public Interest.
10. Unsubstantiated allegations or use of abusive language should not form a part of the application.