“Right Authority, Right Answers”

“Right Authority, Right Answers”

To effectively seek information under the RTI Act, identifying the correct public authority is crucial. For municipal or local roads, file with entities like the Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat, recognized as public authorities under Section 2(h). For state highways, direct your request to the State Public Works Department. For national highways, approach the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which is listed as a central authority. These distinctions ensure your query is addressed by the right entity, increasing the chances of timely and accurate responses.

“Write It Right: RTI That Works”

An effective RTI application begins with proper formatting. Use English, Hindi, or the official language of the region. Clearly articulate your request to avoid ambiguity, as vague queries are likely to be rejected. The standard application fee is ₹10, but it is waived for applicants below the poverty line with valid documentation. RTIs can be submitted in three ways: physically at the authority’s office, online (for central bodies via rtionline.gov.in), or by registered post using a postal order, DD, or banker’s cheque. Proper format ensures your query is processed without delay.

“Tick-Tock: RTI Has a Clock”

Time is of the essence under the RTI Act. Public Information Officers (PIOs) must respond within specific deadlines to ensure transparency and accountability. For standard cases, a response is due within 30 days of receiving the application. If the matter concerns life or liberty, the authority must act urgently, responding within 48 hours. When third-party information is involved, the maximum period is 40 days, which accounts for the time taken to notify and get consent from the third party. These timelines are critical to upholding the citizen’s right to timely information.

“Know What Can’t Be Disclosed – And Why”

While the RTI Act promotes transparency, it also recognizes the need to protect sensitive information. Section 8(1) outlines exemptions where disclosure may harm national security, endanger individuals’ privacy, or reveal trade secrets. Still, in exceptional cases, if the public interest outweighs potential harm, disclosure may be justified. Section 9 bars disclosure if it infringes on third-party copyrights—except when the documents are public records. Every rejection must be well-documented, citing specific legal provisions, and must guide the applicant on how to appeal with contact details and timelines of the appellate authority.

“Appeal for Accountability”

If you’re not satisfied with the response—or lack thereof—to your RTI application, you have the right to appeal. The first appeal must be filed within 30 days of receiving the response or after the deadline for response lapses. This should be directed to the designated Appellate Authority within the department. If the issue persists, a second appeal can be lodged within 90 days to the relevant Information Commission—State or Central. Notably, Section 20 empowers the Commission to penalize PIOs up to ₹25,000 for unjustified delays, refusals, or misinformation, reinforcing accountability.

“Precision Gets You Permission”

To make the most of your RTI, specificity is key. Broad or vague requests can lead to denials or irrelevant information. Instead, ask for concrete data: dates, costs, and names of contractors involved in recent road maintenance contracts; audit or inspection reports; citizen complaints; and lab-tested material quality certificates. You can also request documentation about warranty clauses, any penalties imposed, or corrective actions taken when roads fail prematurely. By focusing on verifiable and documentable information, you’re more likely to receive complete, relevant, and actionable responses.

“Use Legal Precedents as Leverage”

Citing legal precedents in your RTI application can make it more compelling. For instance, the Bombay High Court in PIL No. 88 of 2023 (Feb 6, 2025) directed the Pune Municipal Corporation to establish a structured grievance redressal mechanism for road-related complaints. The court emphasized that properly maintained roads are integral to the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution. Courts have consistently ruled that delayed RTI responses infringe on constitutional rights and may attract penalties, making judicial citations a powerful tool for securing transparency and prompt responses.

Rajendra Parekh Kalanidhi

1. #RTI – Right to Information; a law empowering citizens to request information from public authorities.

2. #PIO – Public Information Officer; the official responsible for responding to RTI requests.

3. #FAA – First Appellate Authority; the officer to whom the first appeal is made under RTI.

4. #CIC – Central Information Commission; the final appellate body for RTIs to central authorities.

5. #SIC – State Information Commission; state-level authority for RTI second appeals.

6. #NHAI – National Highways Authority of India; central authority for national highway queries.

7. #PWD – Public Works Department; state body responsible for state roads and infrastructure.

8. #RTIAct2005 – The central legislation governing RTI in India.

9. #Section2h – Defines what constitutes a “public authority” under the RTI Act.

10. #Section6 – Details the procedure to file an RTI application.

11. #Section7 – Outlines timeframes and response protocols for RTI replies.

12. #Section8 – Lists exemptions where information may not be disclosed.

13. #Section9 – Disallows information that infringes copyright.

14. #Section19 – Describes the appeal process under the RTI Act.

15. #Section20 – Allows for penalties against officials delaying or denying information.

16. #Article21 – Constitutional right to life and personal liberty; often linked to civic rights.

17. #RTITimeline – Timeframes for responding to RTI requests (30 days, 48 hours, etc.).

18. #PublicAuthority – Any government or publicly funded body subject to RTI obligations.

19. #LegalPrecedent – A past court ruling used as a reference in legal decisions.

20. #FirstAppeal – Initial stage of appealing an unsatisfactory RTI response.

21. #SecondAppeal – Further appeal to Information Commission when the first fails.

22. #BPLExemption – Waiver of RTI fees for Below Poverty Line applicants.

23. #GrievanceRedressal – Mechanism for addressing citizen complaints formally.

24. #LifeAndLiberty – Urgent RTI cases needing replies within 48 hours.

25. #AuditReports – Official reviews used to verify public works or services.

26. #RoadContracts – Details of contractors and budgets used in public road works.

27. #Transparency – The core value promoted by the RTI Act.

28. #Accountability – Holding public officials responsible for their duties.

29. #RightToKnow – Citizens’ fundamental right to access government-held information.

30. #ConstitutionalRight – Any right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, including RTI as part of Article