How to Get Closure Report Copy Through RTI in India (2026)

By Advocate K.N.S.K. Vara Prasad | April 2026 | 9 min read

Your FIR was registered months ago. The police assured you the investigation was underway. Then one day, you hear your case has been “closed” — but nobody told you why, and nobody gave you a copy of the closure report.

This happens more often than you think. Police stations close cases citing “lack of evidence” or “untraceable accused,” and the complainant is never formally notified. Without the closure report, you cannot challenge the decision or approach a magistrate under Section 190 CrPC.

The good news: you have a legal right to this document. Under the RTI Act, 2005, you can compel the police to hand over a certified copy of the closure report — along with the reasons for closing your case.

This guide walks you through exactly how to do it — step by step.

Your Right to a Closure Report — What the Law Says

Before reaching for RTI, it helps to understand the legal foundation:

• Section 173 CrPC: After completing an investigation, the police must file a report (including closure reports) with the Magistrate. This report is a public document accessible under RTI.
• Section 190 CrPC: If you disagree with the closure, the Magistrate can take cognizance and direct further investigation — but only if you have the closure report to challenge.
• RTI Act, 2005 — Section 3: Every citizen has the right to access information held by public authorities, including police investigation records.

So if the authority has not given you this information despite your legal right, RTI becomes your escalation tool.

Why RTI Works When Police Close Your Case Silently

When the police close your case, they are required to file a report with the Magistrate under Section 173 CrPC. But they often skip notifying the complainant. An RTI application changes this — it creates a legal obligation on the PIO to provide you with the closure report within 30 days. Failure to respond can result in penalties of up to ₹25,000 under Section 20 of the RTI Act. This shifts the power back to you.

For a related guide, see our post on RTI for FIR Registered But No Action Taken.

Why File RTI for Closure Report Copy?

Here is why filing an RTI makes a difference:

• The police station closed your case without informing you.
• You need the closure report to challenge the decision before a Magistrate.
• You want to know the reasons and evidence cited for closure.
• You suspect the investigation was incomplete or biased.
• Your lawyer needs the report for filing a protest petition.

An RTI application creates a paper trail. Unlike a verbal request, the PIO is legally accountable to respond — and faces penalties if they do not.

Before You File RTI: Try These Steps First

RTI should not be your first step. Try these before filing:

1. Visit the police station and ask the SHO directly for a copy of the closure report. If they refuse, request the refusal in writing.
2. Write to the Superintendent of Police (SP) or DCP requesting the closure report and an explanation.
3. Check with the concerned Magistrate’s court — the closure report should have been filed there under Section 173 CrPC.

If none of these work, RTI is your next move.

How to File RTI — Step by Step

Step 1: Identify the Correct Authority

Your RTI application must go to the Public Information Officer (PIO) at the relevant government office. If you are unsure which office, send it to the next higher authority — they are required to transfer it within 5 days under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act.

Step 2: Draft Your RTI Application

Your application should include:

• Your name, address, and contact details
• Reference numbers, dates, and office name
• Clear, specific questions (see sample below)
• RTI fee of ₹10 (via Indian Postal Order, demand draft, or online payment)

Step 3: Submit the RTI

You have three options:

• Registered Post — send to the PIO with the ₹10 postal order enclosed. Keep the receipt.
• In Person — submit at the office and get an acknowledgement receipt.
• Online — through rtionline.gov.in (central) or your state’s RTI portal.

Step 4: Wait for the Response

The PIO must respond within 30 days. If no response, file a First Appeal within 30 days of the deadline.

Sample RTI Application

Below is a ready-to-use format. Replace the placeholders with your details:

What to Ask — High-Success Questions

Use specific, factual questions for the best results:

1. Please provide a certified copy of the closure/final report filed under Section 173 CrPC for FIR No. [___] dated [DD/MM/YYYY] registered at [Police Station Name].
2. What are the reasons and grounds cited for closing this case?
3. What investigation steps were taken before the case was closed? Provide details with dates.
4. Name and designation of the officer who recommended closure of this case.
5. Has the closure report been filed with the concerned Magistrate? If yes, provide the date of filing.

Avoid asking “why” questions. RTI covers factual information, not explanations or opinions.

What Happens After You File?

• The PIO acknowledges your application and assigns it internally.
• Within 30 days, you receive a written response — either the information or a reason for denial.
• If no response in 30 days, file a First Appeal (usually with the DCP or SP).
• If the First Appeal fails, file a Second Appeal with the State Information Commission.

Officers who fail to respond can face penalties of up to ₹25,000 under the RTI Act.

When Can This Information Be Denied?

In most cases, this information is accessible. However, the PIO may deny your request under:

• Section 8(1)(h) — if disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation (unlikely if already closed).
• Section 8(1)(j) — if it involves personal information of the accused with no public interest.
• Section 8(1)(g) — if it would endanger the safety of any person.

The PIO must cite the specific section. A blanket refusal is itself a violation and grounds for appeal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not knowing the FIR number — include whatever details you have (date, station, nature of complaint).
• Asking the wrong authority — send to the police station PIO, not the court.
• Using vague language like “give all information about my case” — specifically ask for the closure report.
• Not following up — if no response in 30 days, file a First Appeal immediately.
• Confusing closure report with charge sheet — these are different documents.

Real-Life Situations Where This RTI Helps

• Challenging case closure — you need the report to file a protest petition before the Magistrate.
• Insurance claims — insurers may require proof of case closure for claim settlement.
• Legal disputes — your lawyer needs the closure reasoning to plan next steps.
• Police accountability — ensuring the investigation was conducted properly before closure.
• Court proceedings — the Magistrate may ask you to produce the closure report.

Why Use FileMyRTI Instead of Filing Yourself?

Filing an RTI yourself is your right. But FileMyRTI simplifies the process:

• Expert-drafted RTI applications — including Advocate Narsimha Chary (10,000+ RTIs filed) and Advocate K.N.S.K. Vara Prasad.
• Correct authority identification — your RTI reaches the right PIO.
• Filing and tracking — we handle submission and follow up.
• Appeal support — we help you file First and Second Appeals if needed.

Related Resources

• RTI for FIR Copy and Status
• RTI for Police Not Taking Action
• How to File RTI for Police Complaint Update
• First RTI Appeal Filing
• Second RTI Appeal Filing

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get a closure report without visiting the police station?

Yes. File an RTI application via registered post or through your state’s online RTI portal. FileMyRTI can also file it on your behalf.

2. What if the police say the case is still open?

If the police claim the case is open but you have not been updated, your RTI can request the current investigation status and all actions taken so far.

3. How much does it cost?

The RTI government fee is ₹10. FileMyRTI’s expert service starts at ₹399 (inclusive of drafting, filing, and tracking).

4. Can I challenge a closure report?

Yes. You can file a protest petition before the Magistrate under Section 190 CrPC. The closure report obtained through RTI is essential evidence for this.

5. What if I don’t know my FIR number?

You can still file an RTI using the date of incident, your name, police station name, and nature of complaint.

6. How long does it take?

The PIO must respond within 30 days. In matters involving life and liberty, the timeline is 48 hours.

7. What if RTI is also denied?

File a First Appeal within 30 days, then a Second Appeal with the State Information Commission if needed. FileMyRTI provides end-to-end appeal support.

Conclusion

The law gives you the right to this information. With a well-drafted RTI application sent to the correct authority, you can get an official response within 30 days.

If you would rather not deal with the paperwork yourself, FileMyRTI’s experts handle everything from drafting to filing to tracking — so you get what you need without the hassle.

Apply Now → filemyrti.com/apply/personal-rti/rti-for-fir-status