First Appellate Authority (FAA)
Section 19(1), RTI Act 2005
The First Appellate Authority (FAA) is an officer senior in rank to the PIO within the same public authority, who hears your First Appeal if the PIO refuses, delays, or gives an incomplete reply.
Under Section 19(1), if you are unhappy with the PIO's decision — or get no reply within 30 days — you can appeal to an officer who is senior in rank to the PIO in the same office. That officer is the First Appellate Authority.
You must file the First Appeal within 30 days of the PIO's decision (or of the 30-day deadline lapsing). The FAA should normally decide within 30 days, extendable to 45 days for reasons recorded in writing. There is generally no fee for a first appeal.
Key points
- An officer senior in rank to the PIO, in the same public authority.
- Hears the First Appeal under Section 19(1).
- File within 30 days of the PIO's decision or deadline.
- Should decide within 30 days (up to 45 with written reasons).
Related RTI terms
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This is a plain-English summary of the Right to Information Act, 2005 for general understanding — educational, not legal advice. For a specific case, the exact wording of the Act and your facts matter.
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