Public records belong to the public. This page explains, in plain words, the main right we use in our reporting and that every citizen can use: the Right to Information (RTI).
What the Right to Information Act lets you do
- Ask any public authority for information, records, documents or inspection of its work.
- Ask for copies of government records, orders, reports, files and notings.
- Get an answer in writing, with reasons if your request is refused.
How to file an RTI request
- Write your request, clearly and specifically, to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the department concerned.
- Pay the application fee. It differs by state and by authority; some people, such as those below the poverty line, are exempt.
- Keep the receipt or acknowledgement. The PIO should reply within 30 days.
- If you get no reply or an unsatisfactory one, make a first appeal to the First Appellate Authority in the same department.
- If that fails, make a second appeal to the Information Commission.
Good to know
- Some information is exempt, for example matters that affect national security, but the authority must say which exemption it relies on.
- Ask for specific documents and dates. Narrow questions get better answers.
- Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees vary by state, so check the rules that apply to your authority. Have a problem with a public office that we should look into? Send us a tip.