Right to Information (RTI)

You filed a complaint weeks ago and heard nothing — RTI can force the department to show its own paperwork.

You can RTI the PWD/Municipal Corporation for the file noting, tender details, contractor name, and the officially sanctioned completion date for work on your road or area.

1. Identify the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the relevant department — usually listed on the department's official website.
2. Write your request specifying exactly what documents/information you want ('please provide copies of...'), not opinions like 'why hasn't this been done'.
3. Pay the fee — ₹10 via IPO/demand draft/court fee stamp, or online at rtionline.gov.in for central departments.
4. You are legally entitled to a response within 30 days.

A blanket 'no' or silence isn't the end of the road — RTI has a built-in, no-cost appeal system.

Refusal must fall under one of the specific exemptions in Section 8 (national security, cabinet papers, personal information with no larger public interest, etc.). Vague or blanket refusals are invalid and can be appealed.

1. File a First Appeal with the department's Appellate Authority within 30 days of refusal or non-response — no fee.
2. If still unsatisfied, file a Second Appeal with the State/Central Information Commission within 90 days — also no fee.
3. The Information Commission can penalize the PIO up to ₹25,000 personally for unreasonable delay, refusal, or giving false information.

The process is simpler than most people expect.

1. Go to rtionline.gov.in for Central Government departments (each state runs its own portal, or accepts applications by post).
2. Register, select the Ministry/Department, write your request in under 500 words, pay the fee online, and submit.
3. Note your registration number and use it to track the status of your request.

A new construction, land acquisition, or policy decision near you, and you want the official paper trail.

1. RTI the relevant department for environmental clearances, land acquisition notices, tender documents, or meeting minutes.
2. Note that Section 4 of the RTI Act also requires departments to proactively publish many categories of information — check the department's website first, though compliance varies widely.