You carefully wrote your RTI, sent it to the right department, paid the ₹10 fee—and waited.
But weeks have passed, and you’ve heard nothing. Unfortunately, this is more common than it should be. The good news? The Right to Information Act, 2005 doesn’t just give you the right to seek information—it also gives you a clear legal pathway if your RTI is ignored.
Under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, the Public Information Officer (PIO) is legally bound to respond within 30 days from the date your RTI application is received.
In urgent matters involving someone’s life or liberty, the reply must come within 48 hours. If this doesn’t happen, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a violation of your legal right.
So, what can you do? The first step is to file a First Appeal. According to Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, if you don’t receive a response within the prescribed time, or you receive an incomplete or misleading reply, you have the right to challenge it.
This appeal goes to a senior officer in the same department—called the First Appellate Authority (FAA)—who must hear your case and respond within 30 to 45 days.
But before jumping into the appeal, it’s helpful to double-check a few things:
- Did your RTI reach the right department?
- Did you include the application fee?
- Do you have proof of submission (Speed Post receipt, online acknowledgment, etc.)?
If you’ve answered yes, and still got no reply, it’s time to act. Your First Appeal should be brief and to the point. It must include:
- A copy of your original RTI application.
- A copy of the postal receipt or online reference number.
- A short note explaining that no reply was received within the 30-day period.
Don’t know how to structure your appeal? Read our detailed blog on How to File a First Appeal Under RTI Act – with sample formats and submission tips.
The appeal can be filed on paper or, if the authority allows, through email or online portals. Some departments even have designated RTI appeal links.
There’s no additional fee for the First Appeal—just make sure to keep copies of everything you send.
If 30 days have passed since your RTI application and you haven’t received a response, filing a First Appeal is your legal next step. As per Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, 2005, you can file this appeal within 30 days from the expiry of the RTI reply period—or from the date you received an unsatisfactory reply.
Here’s a simple structure for your First Appeal:
To:
The First Appellate Authority
[Name of Department/Office]
[Address]
From:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Contact Information]
Subject: First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, 2005 – Regarding RTI Application dated [Insert Date]
Details:
I had filed an RTI application under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act on [Date] regarding [brief subject]. As of today, I have not received any response within the 30-day period mandated by Section 7(1) of the Act.
I am enclosing a copy of the original RTI and proof of submission.
Request:
Kindly take necessary action on this appeal and direct the concerned PIO to provide the requested information at the earliest.
Date:
Signature:
There is no fee for filing the First Appeal. You can send it by post, submit it in person, or file it online if the department provides that option.
Once filed, the First Appellate Authority must respond within 30 to 45 days. If they do not respond or if you still receive an incomplete or vague reply, you can escalate the matter to the Second Appeal under Section 19(3).
This goes to the Central or State Information Commission, depending on the department involved.
The Commission has the power to summon officials, impose penalties, and even order compensation if you were denied information unfairly.
If you’re not sure whether RTI is the right tool for your situation, explore our post on RTI vs Grievance Portal – Which One Should You Use?
FAQs
1. Is there a deadline for filing the First Appeal?
Yes, it must be filed within 30 days from when the RTI reply was due or received.
2. Do I need to hire a lawyer to file the appeal?
No, you can draft and file it yourself in plain language.
3. Where can I find the First Appellate Authority’s details?
Usually on the department’s website or in the RTI reply (if any). You can also ask the PIO.
4. Can I send the First Appeal by email?
Some departments allow it. If unsure, send a hard copy by Speed Post.
5. What if even the Second Appeal is ignored?
You can file a complaint directly under Section 18 or approach the High Court in rare cases.
