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An RTI for Second 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 Second 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 Second 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 Second 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.
We’ve successfully filed over 50,000 online and offline RTI applications, delivering clarity and accountability to citizens.
Our accurate and comprehensive filing process increases your chances of receiving timely responses from government authorities.
Your data is safeguarded by cutting-edge security, and we ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Second RTI Appeal?
A Second Appeal is the final step in the RTI process, filed with the Central or State Information Commission if the First Appeal is unsatisfactory or not responded to.
When should I file a Second Appeal?
You should file a Second Appeal within 90 days from the date of the First Appellate Authority's (FAA) decision or the lapse of their response period.
Who hears a Second RTI Appeal?
The Central Information Commission (CIC) hears appeals related to central government departments, while State Information Commissions handle appeals concerning state government departments.
What documents are required for a Second Appeal?
You will need:
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A copy of your original RTI application.
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The PIO’s response (if any).
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The First Appeal and FAA’s response (if any).
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Grounds for the Second Appeal.
Is there a fee for filing a Second Appeal?
No, there is generally no fee for filing a Second Appeal.
How long does it take for the Information Commission to resolve a Second Appeal?
The time taken varies depending on the backlog of cases, but the Commission is obligated to resolve cases as quickly as possible.
What happens if the Commission rules in my favor?
If the Commission rules in your favor, the concerned department must comply with its directives, which are legally binding.
Can FileMyRTI assist with Second Appeals?
Yes, FileMyRTI provides end-to-end assistance, including drafting, filing, and following up on Second Appeals.
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