Right to Information · first appeal · all India
RTI first appeal online — when the reply didn't come, or didn't answer.
Thirty days have passed with no reply, or the reply refused or dodged your questions. The RTI Act gives you a first appeal to a senior officer of the same office. Answer the questions in about 5 minutes and get the appeal, setting out what was asked and what went wrong.
✓ Free preview of the full appeal before you pay✓ Addressed to the First Appellate Authority✓ Sets out each question and what was wrong with the reply✓ Filing guide✓ Two revisions · PDF instantly · Hindi copy✓ Leads to a second appeal if this fails too
Legal basis: RTI Act 2005, s.19(1)One all-inclusive price₹299nothing else to payEverything included✓ Draft, free preview✓ PDF, Hindi copy✓ Filing guide✓ Two revisionsStart my first appeal →About 5 minutes · Nothing charged until you've seen the previewOne payment by UPI, card or net-banking. Nothing else to pay — no add-ons at checkout.
The RTI appeal timeline
Where the first appeal fits
Reply due30 days after your applicationNo reply by then, or a reply that refuses or misses the point, is a ground for appeal.
Within 30 daysFile this first appealTo the First Appellate Authority of the same office.Draft my appeal ₹299 →
Usually 30 daysThe appeal is decidedThe appellate authority normally decides within 30 days, and can take up to 45 with reasons.
Within 90 daysSecond appealIf the first appeal fails, a second appeal goes to the Information Commission. A panel advocate can take it on.Get an advocate for a second appeal →
What the appeal contains
- The office, the Public Information Officer and the appellate authority
- Your original application and its date
- The reply, or the fact that none came
- Each point on which the reply fails, and why
- What you ask the appellate authority to order
Keep handy before you start
- Your RTI application and proof of filing
- The reply, if one came, and its date
- Any fee receipts
Haven't filed the RTI yet?Start with the application itself — the appeal comes only after the reply is due.RTI application ₹299 →
Questions people ask
General information, not legal advice for your specific matter.Is there a fee for a first appeal?No fee is charged for a first appeal to central government offices. Some states charge a small fee — the filing guide says so where it applies.
How long do I have to appeal?30 days from the date the reply came, or from the date it was due if none came. A late appeal can be admitted if you show sufficient cause.
Who decides the appeal?An officer senior to the Public Information Officer in the same office — the First Appellate Authority.
Can I ask for a hearing?Yes, the appeal can ask to be heard. Many appellate authorities decide on the papers.
What if the appeal fails?A second appeal goes to the Central or State Information Commission within 90 days. A panel advocate can take it on.
RTI first appeal, ready to file: ₹299 all-inclusive.About 5 minutes. Free preview before you pay.
Start my first appeal →