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An RTI for First RTI Appeal can request the recorded status of your pending matter, the officer-in-charge, and the reasons recorded for any delay or inaction, subject to applicable exemptions - a statutory route to the record behind opaque "under process" responses.
✓What you'll receive
- Official status of your pending matter with date-stamped file notings
- Name and designation of the officer handling your case
- Reasons for any delay, rejection, or return of your application
- Expected timeline for resolution under the department's internal SLA
👤Who typically files this
- Citizens whose First RTI Appeal matter has been pending beyond reasonable timelines
- Applicants seeking formal disclosure on decisions that affect them
- Individuals preparing for litigation or appellate proceedings who need documentary evidence
🏛Common PIO / departments
- The specific government department handling your First RTI Appeal matter
- The designated Public Information Officer (PIO) of that department
- The senior officer designated as First Appellate Authority
What questions will your RTI actually ask?
A well-drafted RTI asks specific, dated questions the PIO can't evade. Below is the structure our legal team typically uses for this matter — drafted line by line in your final application.
- What is the current status of the First RTI Appeal application / matter filed on (date)?
- What is the name and designation of the officer assigned to handle this matter, along with their contact number and email?
- What are the specific reasons for the delay / inaction beyond the statutory / internal timeline applicable to this matter?
- Please provide certified copies of all file notings, correspondence, and orders related to this matter to date.
- What is the expected timeline for resolution and the action plan going forward?
Typical timeline — from draft to government reply
Why replies sometimes take longer than thirty days
Several of the common causes are consequences of the Act's own machinery rather than mere administrative drift. Knowing which one applies tells you whether the clock has legitimately paused or the deadline has actually been missed.
- The information sits with a different public authority. Under Section 6(3) the application must be transferred to the appropriate public authority as soon as practicable and in any case within five days, and you must be informed of the transfer.
- The PIO needs another officer's help. Section 5(4) lets the PIO seek the assistance of any other officer. Under Section 5(5) that officer must render assistance and, for the purposes of any contravention of the Act, is treated as a PIO — a liability provision, not a rule that installs a replacement PIO whenever the notified one is unavailable.
- A further fee has been raised. Under Section 7(3)(a), the period between despatch of the fee intimation and payment of the fee is excluded when computing the thirty days, so the clock legitimately pauses at that stage.
- The application went to an Assistant PIO. The proviso to Section 5(2) adds five days to the response period when an application is given to an APIO.
- Older records are not readily traceable. Where a matter is old, locating the file can take time. You can ask for the record of the file's movement and for what the authority currently holds — though an RTI requests records, it cannot compel a department to recreate a record it does not hold.
⏱ If the department delays beyond 30 days
If the department does not respond within 30 days, we file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act 2005 at no additional cost - included with every FileMyRTI application. Persistent non-compliance is further escalated to the Central or State Information Commission.
What the reply must contain
Under Section 7(1), the PIO must either provide the information on payment of the prescribed fee or reject the request for a reason specified in Sections 8 or 9 — as expeditiously as possible and in any case within thirty days (forty-eight hours where the information concerns the life or liberty of a person). What the reply must then state depends on the decision:
We forward the reply to you within 24 hours of receiving it, translate any legalese into plain language, and flag whether a First Appeal is warranted based on the substance of the reply. Fee amounts are set by the applicable Central or State RTI Rules; the PIO's own intimation carries the amount and its calculation.
Escalate Your RTI Request for a Satisfactory Response
If your RTI application has not received a response within 30 days, or if the information provided is unsatisfactory, you have the right to file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, 2005.This appeal is directed to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) within the same public authority.
Apply NowHow It Works
Click ‘Apply Now’ and fill out your details in minutes. No legal experience required.
Our experts prepare your RTI application and file it with the correct department.
Receive your answer directly from the government, usually within 30 days.
Why Choose FileMyRTI?
At FileMyRTI, we combine expertise with technology to make RTI filing easy, reliable, and secure. With our proven track record, advanced systems, and focus on hassle-free service, we’ve become the preferred choice for thousands of users across India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a First RTI Appeal?
A First RTI Appeal is a formal request to the First Appellate Authority seeking a review of the Public Information Officer's (PIO) response or lack thereof to your initial RTI application.
When should I file a First Appeal?
You should file a First Appeal if:
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You have not received a response from the PIO within 30 days of submitting your RTI application.
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You are dissatisfied with the information provided or the decision of the PIO.
Is there a time limit for filing a First Appeal?
Yes, the First Appeal should be filed within 30 days from the date on which the decision was received, or within 60 days from the date of the original RTI application if no response was received.
What documents are required to file a First Appeal?
You should provide:
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A copy of the original RTI application.
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Any response received from the PIO.
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A statement specifying the grounds of the appeal.
Is there a fee for filing a First Appeal?
Generally, there is no fee for filing a First Appeal. However, some states may prescribe a fee; it's advisable to check the specific rules applicable to the concerned public authority.
What if I am not satisfied with the FAA's decision?
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the FAA, you can file a Second Appeal with the Central or State Information Commission within 90 days from the date of the FAA's decision.
How can FileMyRTI assist me in the First Appeal process?
FileMyRTI offers expert assistance in drafting and submitting your First Appeal, ensuring that all procedural requirements are met for a successful outcome
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