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Right to Information Act, 2005

Section 6 of RTI Act 2005: Request for Obtaining Information

Section 6 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 explains how a person may submit an application to obtain information from a public authority, the assistance available to applicants, and when an application must be transferred to another authority.

What does Section 6 provide?

Under the RTI Act, citizens may request information held by or under the control of a public authority. Section 6 establishes the procedure for requesting it. The meaning of information, public authority and right to information is provided in Section 2 of the RTI Act.

Section 6(1): How to submit an RTI application

A person seeking information must submit a request in writing or through electronic means, in English, Hindi or the official language of the area where the application is made, with the prescribed fee, to:

  1. The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) or State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the concerned public authority; or
  2. The Central Assistant Public Information Officer (CAPIO) or State Assistant Public Information Officer (SAPIO), as applicable.

The application should specify the particulars of the information sought. If the applicant cannot make the request in writing, the CPIO or SPIO must provide reasonable assistance to reduce an oral request to writing. The designation and responsibilities of these officers are explained in Section 5.

Section 6(2): No reason for seeking information is required

An applicant is not required to give reasons for requesting information. Nor can the authority insist on personal details other than those necessary for contacting the applicant. A clear description of the existing records or information requested generally helps the authority identify the material.

Section 6(3): Transfer to the correct public authority

Where an application is received by one public authority but the information is held by another public authority, or its subject matter is more closely connected with the functions of another public authority, the receiving authority must transfer the application, or the appropriate part of it, to that other authority and inform the applicant immediately.

Transfer deadline: the transfer must be made as soon as practicable and no later than five days from receipt of the application. This provision concerns transfers between public authorities; it does not dispense with the ordinary obligation to process information held by the receiving authority.

Practical steps for filing an RTI request

  1. Identify the authority: determine which central, state or local public authority holds the records.
  2. Describe the information: specify documents, dates, records or subject matter as precisely as possible.
  3. Choose the language and method: submit in the permitted language, on paper or electronically where the facility is available.
  4. Pay the applicable fee: fees and exemptions depend on the relevant RTI rules. Under the Central RTI Rules, 2012, the standard application fee is Rs. 10; persons below the poverty line are exempt subject to the prescribed proof. State rules may differ.
  5. Retain acknowledgement: keep the receipt, postal proof or online registration number for follow-up and appeal.
Online filing: The Central RTI Online Portal supports applications and first appeals for participating Central Government public authorities. It should not be used for RTI applications addressed to State Government public authorities; use the relevant State procedure or portal.

Time limit for a reply and appeal

Section 7 ordinarily requires a decision within 30 days of receipt of the request by the public authority. Information concerning the life or liberty of a person must be provided within 48 hours. Where an application is submitted through an Assistant Public Information Officer, five additional days are added to the response period under Section 5(2). Special rules can apply, including for third-party information under Section 11.

If information is denied or no decision is received within the applicable period, the applicant may pursue a first appeal under Section 19(1), ordinarily within 30 days from expiry of the response period or receipt of the decision. Disclosure is also subject to statutory exemptions, including Section 8 and Sections 9 and 10.

Frequently asked questions

Can an RTI request be made orally?

Where a person cannot submit a written request, the PIO must give reasonable assistance to put the oral request into writing under the proviso to Section 6(1).

Must an applicant explain why the records are needed?

No. Section 6(2) prohibits requiring reasons for seeking the information.

What happens if the application reaches the wrong authority?

Where the conditions of Section 6(3) are satisfied, the authority must transfer the application or relevant part within five days and immediately inform the applicant.

Official resources