RTI Appeal Format 2025 – Easy Guide to File Right to Information Appeal

The Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers Indian citizens to seek information from any public authority, making the government more transparent and accountable. However, if your RTI application is denied, ignored, or inadequately answered, you have the right to file an RTI appeal. In 2025, new guidelines and appeal formats have been introduced to streamline the appeal process across states and central authorities.

This guide explains the latest RTI appeal format 2025, the steps to file a first and second appeal, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to strengthen your appeal for faster results.

What Is an RTI Appeal?

When an applicant is not satisfied with the response received from a Public Information Officer (PIO) or does not receive any reply within 30 days, they can file an RTI First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA). If the issue still persists, the applicant may proceed to a Second Appeal to the Information Commission (State or Central).

The new RTI 2025 format has made the process more citizen-friendly, mandating simplified forms, bilingual submission, online tracking, and quick timelines.

When to File an RTI Appeal

You can file an RTI appeal if:

• You receive no response from the PIO within 30 days

• Your RTI application is rejected without valid reason

• The reply is incomplete, evasive, or unsatisfactory

• You are charged excessive fees for information

• Information is denied under wrong exemptions

Both First and Second Appeals have to be filed within specific time limits to be considered valid.

RTI First Appeal Format – 2025 Version

Here’s the official structure for filing a First Appeal under the 2025 guidelines:

1. Appellant Details

   • Full Name

   • Address

   • Contact Number

   • Email (if available)

2. Details of RTI Application

   • Date of RTI Filing

   • Application Number (if any)

   • Name & address of PIO

   • Subject/brief summary of RTI request

3. Grounds for Appeal

   • No reply received within time

   • Unsatisfactory/incomplete reply

   • Rejection without justification

   • Excessive charges for information

4. Relief Requested

   • Request for immediate disclosure of the information

   • Penalty proceedings against PIO (if applicable)

   • Refund of excessive fees (if applicable)

5. Signature

   • Place, Date, and Signature of the Appellant

Attach a copy of the original RTI application and PIO’s reply (if received). Submit the appeal to the FAA of the concerned department.

RTI Second Appeal Format – 2025 Version

If your First Appeal is ignored or you still don’t receive satisfactory information within 45 days, you can escalate to a Second Appeal. It should be submitted to the State Information Commission (for state-level bodies) or Central Information Commission (CIC) (for central government bodies).

Contents of Second Appeal:

• Appellant Details (as above)

• Copy of First Appeal

• Proof of non-response or unsatisfactory response

• Ground for escalation

• Specific relief sought

• Optional: Request for personal hearing

The Second Appeal must be filed within 90 days from the date of the FAA’s reply or the expiry of the 45-day period.

Online RTI Appeal Filing – 2025 Updates

With Digital India reforms, citizens can now file RTI appeals online via:

• RTI Online Portal (for Central Govt): https://rtionline.gov.in

• State-Specific Portals (e.g., Maharashtra RTI portal, Tamil Nadu RTI site)

• UMANG App and RTI India Mobile App

You can upload supporting documents, get SMS/email alerts, and track the status of your appeal without visiting any office.

New updates also allow filing in Hindi, English, and regional languages, and allotment of online hearing via video conference in select states.

Appeal Timelines and Results

Please note: Due to workload, commissions may take longer unless the matter is marked urgent (e.g., pension, health, legal denial of rights).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Filing appeal without attaching a copy of original RTI

• Missing the deadline for first or second appeal

• Not writing a clear “Relief Requested” section

• Not addressing the correct authority (State vs Central)

• Providing incorrect contact information

To avoid rejections or delays, read your state-specific RTI rules carefully or consult the official portal.

Sample Reliefs You Can Request

• Disclosure of requested information in full

• Disciplinary action against the defaulting PIO

• Refund of excessive or arbitrary RTI fees

• Direction to ensure timely reply in the future

• Access to documents in your preferred format (electronic/hard copy)

FAQs

What is the time limit for filing an RTI First Appeal?

You must file a First Appeal within 30 days of receiving the PIO’s reply or after 30 days of not receiving any reply.

Can I file the appeal in Hindi or my regional language?

Yes, under RTI 2025 guidelines, appeals can be filed in Hindi, English, or your regional language, depending on the public authority’s location.

Do I have to pay for filing an appeal?

No, filing the First or Second Appeal is completely free of charge.

What if my Second Appeal is ignored?

If the Information Commission delays action, you can file a complaint petition or approach the High Court under writ jurisdiction.

Can I track my RTI appeal online?

Yes, most states and the central RTI portal provide online tracking of your appeal using your application number or login ID.

Click here to know more.