Who Can You File an RTI With? Public Authorities Explained (2025 Guide)
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers Indian citizens to seek information from government bodies. But one of the most common doubts is: who exactly can you file an RTI with? This guide explains what counts as a public authority, who is exempt, and how you can apply with the right office to get a proper response.
What is a Public Authority under RTI?
According to Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, a public authority includes:
- Government ministries, departments, and offices (Central and State).
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like LIC, SBI, Bharat Petroleum, etc.
- Local bodies like Panchayats, Municipalities, and Development Authorities.
- Constitutional bodies (Election Commission, CAG, etc.).
- NGOs or private bodies substantially funded by the government.
Who is Exempt from RTI?
Some organizations are exempt under Section 24 of the RTI Act. These include intelligence and security agencies like:
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
- Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
- DRDO, BSF, CRPF, CISF, and others listed in the Second Schedule
However, even exempt agencies must respond to RTIs on matters of alleged corruption or human rights violations.
Examples of Where You Can File RTI
- Education: Universities and state boards for marksheets, answer sheets, and degree verification.
- Finance: EPFO for provident fund status, Income Tax Dept. for refund delays.
- Property: State revenue departments for land records, mutation, or survey details.
- Civic Issues: Municipal bodies for road works, streetlights, or sanitation.
- Transport: RTO for vehicle-related queries.
Don’t waste time guessing the right authority. Our experts ensure your RTI reaches the correct department for a proper response.
FAQs on Public Authorities under RTI
Q1. Can I file an RTI with a private company?
No, private companies are not covered unless they are substantially funded by the government. However, you can file RTI with regulators (like RBI, SEBI) for information they hold about private entities.
Q2. Can I file an RTI with the Supreme Court or High Court?
Yes, but only for administrative matters like recruitment, expenses, etc. Judicial decisions or case records must be obtained through court procedures, not RTI.
Q3. Can I get someone else’s personal information using RTI?
No, personal details like income tax returns, bank details, or medical records are exempt under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.
Q4. Can I file RTI with Parliament or State Assemblies?
Yes, information held by Lok Sabha Secretariat, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, or State Legislative Assemblies can be sought under RTI.
Q5. What if my RTI is wrongly addressed?
The PIO must transfer it to the correct authority within 5 days as per Section 6(3) of the RTI Act.
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