RTI Timeframes — How Long Does It Take to Get a Response?

Author: FileMyRTI Team
Published on: August 20, 2025

RTI timeline at a glance

• Standard RTI: Reply within 30 days from receipt by the Public Information Officer (PIO).
• Life & Liberty: Information affecting life or personal liberty within 48 hours.
• Transfer under Sec. 6(3): If filed to the wrong authority and transferred, add up to +5 days.
• Third‑party consultation (Sec. 11): May extend up to 40 days total (30 days + consultation window).

Standard cases (30 days)

Most applications must be answered within 30 calendar days of receipt. “Answer” can be the requested records, partial records with reasons, or a denial citing the applicable section. If the PIO fails to respond within 30 days, it’s deemed a refusal — you can file a First Appeal.

Life & Liberty cases (48 hours)

For matters that demonstrably affect life or personal liberty (e.g., urgent medical records, custodial information), the PIO must respond within 48 hours. Clearly mark the application as “Life & Liberty” and briefly state why.

Transferred RTIs (+5 days)

If your RTI lands at the wrong office but the records are held elsewhere, the PIO should transfer it under Section 6(3) within 5 days. In such cases, the receiving PIO’s timeline is effectively 30 days + up to 5 days for transfer. (Practical tip: address the correct PIO to avoid this buffer.)

Third‑party consultation (up to 40 days)

When information involves a third party’s commercial confidence or personal data, the PIO may consult them under Section 11. This can extend the overall period to about 40 days (initial 30 + consultation time). You should still receive a reasoned order within that outer limit.

Appeals: when & how long

• First Appeal (Sec. 19(1)): File within 30 days from the date of reply (or from the date the reply became due). The First Appellate Authority should decide the appeal typically within 30–45 days.
• Second Appeal (Sec. 19(3)): If unsatisfied, file before the Central/State Information Commission within 90 days from the First Appeal order (or from the lapse). Commission disposal times vary by backlog.

Tracking tips to avoid delays

• Use the correct PIO and precise, records‑based points.
• Keep the scope tight (1–2 related records requests).
• Save your acknowledgement/receipt and reference number.
• If the deadline lapses, file a First Appeal citing the due date.

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