RTI Blog
Plain-language articles on the Right to Information Act, 2005 — how to use it effectively, what to do when things go wrong, and how RTI has helped ordinary citizens.
The 48-Hour RTI Rule: Getting Urgent Information in Matters of Life and Liberty
There's a little-known provision in the RTI Act that requires a response within 48 hours — not 30 days — when the information concerns life or liberty. Here's what it covers, how to invoke it, and its real-world limits.
RTI and Aadhaar: What UIDAI Must Disclose and What It Cannot
UIDAI is a statutory public authority covered by the RTI Act. But Aadhaar data — biometrics, demographic details, authentication history — is separately protected. This guide explains what RTI can get you from UIDAI, what the Aadhaar Act restricts, and how to navigate both.
RTI and Anti-Corruption: How Citizens Can Use RTI to Expose Fraud and Demand Accountability
Corruption survives on secrecy. The RTI Act breaks that secrecy by forcing public authorities to put their records on paper where you can see them. Here is how citizens are using RTI to expose ghost beneficiaries, procurement fraud, land irregularities, and bureaucratic delays — and what the Act cannot do.
RTI and Cabinet Papers: What Section 8(1)(i) Protects and When It Expires
Cabinet papers, Council of Ministers deliberations, and related documents are protected from RTI disclosure under Section 8(1)(i) — but only until the Cabinet decision is made public. This guide explains the exact scope of this exemption, when it lifts, and what you can still get via RTI.
When a Public Authority Ignores a CIC Order: Contempt, Compliance, and Your Legal Options
Getting a CIC or SIC order in your favour is only half the battle. If the public authority still doesn't comply, you have legal tools — Section 20 penalties, Section 19(8) enforcement, Writ Petitions, and contempt proceedings. This guide explains every option.
RTI and Electoral Bonds: What the Supreme Court Judgment Means for Disclosure
The Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme in February 2024 and ordered SBI to disclose bond data to the Election Commission. This guide explains what RTI can and cannot get about electoral bonds, what ECI must disclose, and how to access donor-recipient data.
RTI and the Judiciary: What You Can and Cannot Ask Courts Under the RTI Act
Courts are public authorities under RTI — but what that means in practice is more nuanced than it sounds. This guide explains what administrative information you can legitimately demand from the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, and tribunals, what is protected by judicial independence, and how the landmark Subhash Chandra Agarwal judgment changed the landscape.
RTI and Nuclear Energy: What DAE and AERB Must Disclose — and What Section 8(1)(a) Shields
The Department of Atomic Energy and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board are public authorities under the RTI Act. But nuclear and radiation safety data sits in a tension with national security exemptions. This guide explains what RTI can and cannot access in India's nuclear sector.
RTI with Parliament: Lok Sabha Secretariat, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, and MPs' Salaries
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats are public authorities under the RTI Act. But Parliamentary proceedings and debate records are protected by Article 105 privilege. This guide explains what RTI can access about Parliament — and what Article 105 shields.
RTI and PM CARES Fund: Is It a Public Authority and What Courts Have Said
The PM CARES Fund's status as a public authority under the RTI Act has been contested in multiple courts. This guide explains the arguments on both sides, what courts have held, what information RTI can and cannot access, and alternative accountability mechanisms.
RTI and Political Parties: Why They Are Currently Outside the Act's Reach
Can citizens file RTI applications with political parties? The Central Information Commission said yes in 2013 — but the parties refused to comply and courts stepped in. Here is the full story of this unresolved legal battle and what citizens can still access through other routes.
RTI and the Right to Privacy: How the Puttaswamy Judgment Shapes What the Government Can Withhold
The Supreme Court's landmark 2017 Puttaswamy judgment made the right to privacy a fundamental right under Article 21. Here is what that means in practice for your RTI applications — what it protects, what it does not protect, and how the RTI Act's Section 8(1)(j) is now read in light of the Constitution.
RTI and Whistleblower Protection: Using Both Tools Together — and Knowing Their Limits
RTI and the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014 serve different purposes and have different limitations. This guide explains how to use both strategically to expose corruption — and what each one cannot do for you.
Deemed Refusal Under RTI: When Government Silence Becomes a Legal Violation
If a government authority doesn't respond to your RTI within the statutory deadline, the law treats that silence as a refusal — and you can appeal immediately. Here's everything you need to know about deemed refusal under Section 7(2).
RTI Fee Guide: How Much to Pay, How to Pay, and BPL Exemptions
A complete guide to RTI application fees — the ₹10 rule, BPL exemptions, additional charges for photocopies and inspections, payment modes, and what happens if the authority doesn't respond in time.
RTI Filing Strategy: How to File Multiple RTIs and Get Results That Stick
One RTI rarely tells the whole story. This guide teaches you how to strategically file multiple RTI applications — splitting complex queries, targeting the right authorities, building evidence chains, and avoiding the mistakes that lead to refusals.
RTI and the Indian Armed Forces: What Soldiers and Families Can Access
RTI applies differently to defence establishments. Here's what military personnel, veterans, and their families can legitimately seek — and what is exempt under Section 24.
RTI for Arms Licence: When Your Application Is Pending, Rejected, or Revoked
Arms licence application pending for years, or licence revoked without reason? RTI can get you the file noting, the criteria, and the officer's decision. Here's how.
RTI for Bank Loan Disputes: What Nationalised Banks Must Disclose
Nationalised banks and public sector banks are public authorities under the RTI Act. If your loan is in dispute, a notice was issued, or you're dealing with SARFAESI action, RTI can get you copies of critical loan documents. Here's what you can ask and what the bank is allowed to withhold.
RTI for Businesses and Contractors: Tender Documents, Public Procurement, and Government Licences
Businesses bidding for government contracts, facing licence delays, or dealing with arbitrary regulatory enforcement have strong RTI rights. Here's how to use the RTI Act to access tender records, challenge bid rejections, and cut through licensing opacity.
RTI for Caste Certificate Issues: OBC, SC, and ST Certificate Delays and Rejections
Caste certificate rejected, delayed, or its validity challenged? RTI can get you the scrutiny report, eligibility criteria, and the officer's reasoning. Here's how.
RTI for Children's Rights: JJ Act, POCSO, Mid-Day Meal, and Child Welfare Records
RTI is a powerful tool for enforcing children's rights. This guide covers how to use RTI to check Mid-Day Meal implementation, POCSO complaint status, JJ Act child care institutions, child labour enforcement, and Anganwadi/ICDS records.
RTI and Cooperative Housing Societies: What You Can Ask and Who to Ask
Can you file RTI against your housing society? The answer is nuanced. This guide explains when cooperative housing societies fall under RTI, who the correct authority is, and how to get information about your society through proper legal channels.
RTI for COVID-19 Response Data: Vaccine Contracts, Oxygen Procurement, and Excess Deaths
The government's COVID-19 response — vaccine procurement, oxygen allocation, PPE contracts — was funded by public money and must be accountable to RTI. This guide explains what data is available via RTI, which authorities to approach, and what Section 8 exemptions may apply.
RTI for CSIR, ICMR, and Government Research Institutions
India's publicly funded research bodies — CSIR, ICMR, DST, ICAR, and others — are subject to RTI. Here's what citizens, researchers, and journalists can access.
RTI for DBT Failures: When Government Benefits Don't Reach Your Bank Account
Government subsidy or benefit not credited via DBT? RTI can trace the payment, find the failure point, and help you recover what you're owed. Complete guide.
RTI for Disability Rights: UDID Cards, Disability Certificates, and Divyangjan Scheme Benefits
If your UDID card application is stuck, your disability certificate percentage seems wrong, or your ADIP scheme benefit never arrived, the RTI Act is your strongest tool. Here's how persons with disabilities and their families can use RTI effectively.
RTI for Disaster Relief: Tracking NDRF and SDRF Funds After Floods and Cyclones
Disaster relief funds not reaching affected families? RTI can trace NDRF/SDRF allocations, verify distribution, and expose diversion. Here's the complete guide.
RTI for Doordarshan and All India Radio: Accessing Public Broadcaster Records
Prasar Bharati — which runs Doordarshan and All India Radio — is a Central Government public authority. Here's what RTI can and cannot get from India's national broadcaster.
RTI for Employees and Job Seekers: PF, Recruitment, Seniority, and Government Jobs
Whether you're chasing your SSC result, a stuck PF withdrawal, or your own ACR from your department, RTI can help. Here's how employees and job seekers can use the RTI Act effectively.
RTI for Environmental Issues: Pollution Complaints, Factory NOCs, and Environmental Clearances
Factories without valid pollution consent, construction projects that bypassed environmental clearance, trees felled without permission — RTI gives citizens the tools to demand answers. This guide explains exactly what to ask, whom to ask, and how to deal with refusals.
RTI for Farmers: MSP Procurement, KCC, Soil Health Cards, and Agricultural Scheme Data
Indian farmers can use RTI to demand MSP procurement records, KCC loan details, PMFBY crop insurance claim data, PM-KISAN instalment status, soil health card results, and land acquisition compensation. Here's how.
RTI for Fisheries and Marine Resources: A Guide for Fishing Communities
Fishing communities can use RTI to access fish landing data, licence records, coastal regulation zone decisions, and port infrastructure data. Here's how.
RTI for IITs, IIMs, NITs, and Central Universities: What Students, Faculty, and Researchers Can Access
IITs, IIMs, NITs, and central universities are public authorities under the RTI Act. Students, faculty, and researchers can use RTI to access admission cut-offs, evaluated answer sheets, faculty recruitment records, fee structures, research grants, and more. Here's a complete guide.
RTI for Irrigation, Canal Water, and River Basin Authorities: A Guide for Farmers and Affected Communities
A practical guide to filing RTI about canal water allocation, irrigation schedules, dam safety, river basin authorities, and groundwater regulation — covering CWC, BBMB, DVC, NVDA, state irrigation departments, and the CIC vs State IC split for water resources bodies.
RTI for Journalists and Researchers: Advanced Strategies for Getting Government Data
Journalists and researchers use RTI differently from ordinary citizens. This guide covers serial RTI filing, data compilation requests, information held in electronic form, dealing with Section 8 exemptions, and how to build an evidentiary record that withstands legal scrutiny.
RTI for Government Mental Health Institutions: Rights, Records, and Accountability
Government psychiatric hospitals and mental health services are subject to RTI. Here's what patients, families, and advocates can access under the RTI Act 2005.
RTI for Minorities: Waqf Boards, Minority Institutions, and Government Welfare Schemes
Waqf Boards are statutory bodies fully covered by the RTI Act. Minority educational institutions that receive government aid are also covered. This guide explains what information you can seek about Waqf properties, minority scholarships, and welfare schemes for minorities.
RTI After a Road Accident: Getting Police and Transport Records for Your MACT Claim
RTI can get you the accident FIR, spot map, vehicle RC, insurance records, and road maintenance data that are critical for a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal case.
Can NRIs and PIOs File RTI Applications? What Overseas Indians Need to Know
The RTI Act does not restrict applications by residency. NRIs and PIOs can file RTI, with some practical considerations on fees and filing. Here's the complete guide.
RTI for Your Own Government Records: What You Can Access About Yourself
The government holds records about you — your service history, medical files, tax assessments, police verifications, civil certificates. The RTI Act gives you a legal right to access them. Here is how.
RTI with the Prime Minister's Office: What the PMO Must Disclose and What It Withholds
The Prime Minister's Office is a public authority under the RTI Act. But it handles some of the most sensitive government decisions. This guide explains what RTI can get from the PMO, which exemptions the PMO frequently invokes, and how to frame effective applications.
RTI for Police Matters: How to Get Your FIR Copy, Complaint Status, and Action Taken Report
Police are public authorities under the RTI Act — and citizens can use RTI to get FIR copies, action taken reports, investigation status, and more. This guide explains what you can and cannot get from police via RTI, how Section 154 CrPC gives you a direct right to your FIR, and the important distinction between ongoing and concluded investigations.
RTI for Prisons and Undertrials: Jail Conditions, Custodial Deaths, and Your Rights Inside
Prisons are public authorities under the RTI Act. Families of inmates, lawyers, and civil society can use RTI to access jail conditions, undertrial counts, custodial death records, and whether legal aid was provided. This guide explains exactly what to ask and who to ask.
RTI for Property and Land Records: What You Can Get and Where to File
Land disputes, delayed mutation, missing sale deed copies, land acquisition compensation — RTI is one of the most effective tools a property owner has. This guide explains what you can ask for, which office to file with, and how to deal with refusals.
RTI to Check If Your Child's School Meets RTE Standards: Infrastructure and Teacher Norms
Is your child's school complying with RTE Act 2009 requirements? RTI can get the DEO inspection report, teacher-pupil ratio, infrastructure status, and mid-day meal data.
RTI for Senior Citizens: Pension, CGHS, Old Age Schemes, and Government Benefits
Pension delayed, CGHS card stuck, or old age scheme benefit never arrived? The RTI Act gives senior citizens a legal right to demand answers. This guide covers pension, CGHS, IGNOAPS, EPFO, ECHS, APY, and more — with exact CPIOs and appeal routes.
RTI for Smart City Projects and Urban Infrastructure: SPVs, AMRUT, and PMAY-U
Smart City Mission projects are funded by public money but implemented through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). This guide explains whether SPVs are public authorities under RTI, how to get information about Smart City works, and how to use RTI for AMRUT and PMAY-Urban projects.
RTI for Students: Marks, Admissions, Answer Sheets, and University Records
Students can use RTI to access their evaluated answer sheets, see cut-off marks, question university admissions, and track scholarships. Here's a complete guide covering CBSE, NTA, central and state universities, private colleges, and more.
RTI for Tender Fraud and Public Procurement: A Citizen's Investigation Guide
Suspect corruption in a government contract or tender? RTI can get you the tender document, bid comparisons, work orders, and completion certificates. Here's how.
We research, draft, and file the RTI for you — and handle appeals if needed. Pay ₹149 + GST only after the work is done.