- FAQ for PIO | RTI Foundation of India

A one stop destination for all Right to Information (RTI) matters

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one stop destination for all Right to Information (RTI) matters

How to file a RTI application

Information about power of attorney - CIC: Since the RTI application and first appeal have been filed by GDC Lawyers Chambers (an entity) and not by an individual, the CIC is not going into the merits and deems the instant appeal as not maintainable

Information about gears is confidential information related to the Ministry of Defence which cannot be disclosed under the RTI Act; Technical details wrt drawings can only be shared to Order Placing Authority /their authorized vendors - CIC: Denial upheld

Respondent: Leave accounts of employees recruited in the Secretariat from State Departments are not carried forward; Rajya Sabha Secretariat (Recruitment & Conditions of Service) Rules. 1957 are in public domain - CIC: Reply is appropriate and is upheld

Respondent: Information in public domain has already been provided while denying the remaining information as the appellant is not the owner of the subject property - CIC: Information is exempt from disclosure u/s 8(1)(j) of RTI Act; No public interest

CIC: The validity period of the licence of the DISCOM is going to expire in 2029/2028 and bids will be invited soon; Respondent is advised put a condition in the contract that the licencee company will be a Public Authority under the RTI Act

Appellant: Conflicting information regarding the selected list of candidates on the university website - CIC: Respondent failed to claim proper exemption Sections for the denial of information on the basis of confidentiality; Provide a revised reply

Vijai Sharma and K V Chowdary appointed as CIC and CVC respectively

Is the Mysore Police Commissioner’s office coming up without plan approval?

No action taken against the illegal massage parlours or spas in Goa

Are there norms about the fee a school should charge and the facilities it offers?

There is only 1 primary health centre per 28 villages of UP

Services of all OSDs / Consultants terminated by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai

Does non-maintenance of records defeat the rights accrued in favour of the RTI appellant?

Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 release by MeitY for public consultation

Delhi High Court directs Jamia Millia Islamia University to disclose PhD Thesis under the RTI Act

2nd edition of "PIOs Guide on RTI" published - Based on study of over one lakh orders of CIC and judgments of Courts - Book carries subject wise case laws, latest legal updates, Practical tips for PIOs and FAAs - Needs of all stakeholders covered

FAQ for PIO

Frequently asked questions for Public Information Officer

What powers does the RTI Act, 2005 provide to a citizen?

How should the term ‘substantial’ be interpreted in substantial financing?

Are the Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) and other Private organizations covered under the RTI Act?

Are different offices of an organization different Public authority?

What should be the frequency of training the PIO and Appellate Authority?

Who is a Transparency Officer

In which language can the application be filed before a PIO?

In which language is the PIO expected to reply to the RTI application?

What are the essential requirements of an application filed before a PIO?

Can a PIO ask for proof of citizenship from an applicant?

Should a PIO accept an application filed by a director on behalf of a company? Or can an individual file an application on behalf of an association?

How much fee is to be paid in respect of the public authorities belonging to the Central government?

Should the application fee be in favour of the PIO?

What are the modes of payment of the fee which should be accepted by a PIO?

Can a PIO demand the postal charges or the cost of compilation of information from the applicant?

Who is the ‘concerned’ PIO to whom an application should be filed?

Is the PIO expected to provide answers to all the questions in an application?

When should ‘Inspection’ be allowed by the PIO?

What should a PIO do if an applicant seeks copies of the records which have been destroyed?

Can a public authority use an advocate during the proceedings of the RTI Act?

Can any action be taken against a PIO if he has provided excess information or under information?

If the PIO has provided excess information or under information, can a request for imposition of penalty be made before the Information Commission?

How should a PIO deal with applicants who repeatedly file applications?

How should an application be processed by a PIO?

What is the role of a First Appellate Authority (FAA) under the RTI Act?

Is a First Appellate Authority (FAA) expected to give a personal hearing in every case?

Can a First Appellate Authority (FAA) review its own order?

What is third party information?

Can a Public Authority be considered as a third party?

Can a public authority file an appeal?

If a citizen seeks information which is forbidden by other rules or Acts, what should a PIO do?

How should a PIO deal with applications seeking voluminous information?

What are the conditions in which the information can be denied by a PIO?

What is a fiduciary relationship?

How can a PIO avoid penalty proceedings?

When can the compensation be claimed?

What are the common ways of misuse of the RTI Act which a PIO may encounter?

How should a PIO / public authority deal with cases of misuse or vexatious applications?