The Right to Information Act, 2005, was introduced to empower Indian citizens by giving them access to information held by public authorities.
But even though the law is broad, it doesn’t mean you can ask anything and everything under RTI. Like any right, it has boundaries. Understanding what you can—and cannot—ask under the RTI Act is key to making sure your application is not rejected.
Let’s start with what you can ask. Under Section 2(f) of the Act, “information” includes records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, and even electronic data.
If a government office has it and it exists, you can request it.
Think of RTI as a way to get facts, not explanations or opinions. You can use it to:
- Track delays in services like pensions, licenses, or ration cards.
- Access records related to public spending or contracts.
- Ask for copies of government notifications, policy documents, or meeting minutes.
- Request exam answer sheets or mark evaluation criteria (especially useful for students).
- Seek environmental data like tree cutting permissions or pollution levels.
Here’s a quick table to make it clearer:
| You Can Ask For | But You Cannot Ask For |
|---|---|
| Status of your application or service | Why a policy was made a certain way |
| Copies of government orders or records | Personal opinions of officials |
| Details of public works or contracts | Hypothetical or interpretive questions |
| Expenditure on public events or schemes | Confidential data of third parties |
| Inspection of government documents | Questions that require analysis or judgment |
Many first-time applicants unknowingly include questions that cross the line.
For example, asking “Why is my pension delayed?” is not valid. Instead, ask: “Please provide the status and reasons for the delay in disbursement of my pension application (Application ID XYZ), including copies of relevant file notings.”
Not sure how to phrase your RTI request correctly? Read our blog on How to Write a Clear and Effective RTI Application for practical tips.
RTI is not the place to express grievances, make complaints, or ask the government to do something. Those should be directed to grievance portals or the concerned department’s complaint cell.
RTI is about asking for existing information, not demanding action.
There are also specific exemptions listed under Section 8 of the RTI Act. These include:
- Information that would affect national security, sovereignty, or foreign relations.
- Trade secrets or intellectual property where disclosure would harm competitive position.
- Information forbidden by court order or breaching parliamentary privileges.
- Personal information unrelated to public activity, unless public interest outweighs the harm.
Also, under Section 9, if giving the information violates copyright (other than government copyright), the PIO can reject it.
In short, you have the right to ask, but you need to ask wisely. Stick to facts, be specific, and stay within the legal limits. That’s the best way to ensure your RTI is accepted and answered.
Once you understand what qualifies as valid information under the RTI Act, 2005, the next step is to avoid common mistakes that lead to rejections or vague responses.
The most frequent reason for rejection is framing the question in a way that seeks explanation, opinion, or future action—which the law doesn’t permit.
For example, asking “Why is my road still broken?” will likely be rejected. A better version would be: “Please provide the details of budget allocation, tender documents, and timeline for the repair of XYZ Road in Ward 20, including copies of progress reports.”
This turns a complaint into a specific, fact-based query—which the Public Information Officer (PIO) is legally required to answer.
Under Section 6(1), the applicant is only required to ask for information in a clear manner. However, under Section 7(9), the information must be provided in a form that is available and not disproportionately resource-intensive.
That means if the data doesn’t exist or isn’t compiled in the way you asked for it, the PIO can deny it.
Another common issue is asking too many unrelated questions in one application. While the RTI Act doesn’t strictly limit the number of questions, departments may reject vague or bundled queries citing administrative burden.
A well-written application is usually one page long, addresses one subject matter, and asks no more than 4–5 specific questions.
It’s also important to avoid asking for personal data about others unless it involves a larger public interest. For instance, asking for someone’s income tax returns or bank statements will be denied under Section 8(1)(j), which protects personal privacy.
Still not getting replies to your valid questions? Read What to Do If You Don’t Get a Reply to Your RTI – a complete guide to your next steps.
Before filing, ask yourself: Is this a demand or a question? Am I asking for existing records or just an explanation? Is the department I’m writing to likely to hold this information?
If your answer to these questions is clear, you’re more likely to get a useful reply.
FAQs
1. Can I ask for reasons behind a government policy under RTI?
No, RTI gives access to records, not justifications or opinions.
2. Can I ask for future plans or actions under RTI?
No. You can only ask about existing records or past decisions.
3. What if the PIO says “information not available”?
You can file a first appeal if you believe the information exists.
4. Can I ask for someone’s academic records?
Only if you prove public interest; otherwise, it’s protected as personal data.
5. What if I frame my question wrong?
You’ll likely get a vague or no reply. Keep it precise and fact-based.
