RTI first appeal (s.19(1))
Appealing to the senior officer when the RTI reply is missing or poor.
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How the paper begins
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To,
The First Appellate Authority,
Office of the Tehsildar, Amarnagar
Subject: First appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005
Sir/Madam,
1.That the appellant sought information from the Public Information Officer, Office of the Tehsildar, Amarnagar, by an application dated 20-08-2026 under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
2.That no information was given within thirty days, in respect of all points.
3.That this appeal is filed within the time allowed by Section 19(1). It is prayed that the PIO be directed to give the complete information free of cost under Section 7(6), and the appellant be heard before the appeal is decided.
Thanking you,
Date: 12-10-2026
Rohan Kumar
House No. 12, Street No. 3, Nanak Nagar, Amarnagar, Tehsil and District Amarnagar, Punjab
Phone: 0000000004
What to bring
Papers to bring
- A copy of your RTI application, with the proof of the fee and the postal receipt or receiving stamp
- The PIO's reply, if any, with the envelope it came in
- A short list of the points still unanswered
Where to go
Sent to the First Appellate Authority, the officer senior to the PIO in the same office (the PIO's reply usually names the officer), by post or by hand, or online where the office takes RTI online.
Fee
Usually no fee for a first appeal (the Central rules charge none); ask whether your state's rules differ.
Good to know
- File within 30 days of the reply, or of the end of the 30 days the PIO had; a late appeal is heard only for good reason (s.19(1)).
- The appellate authority should decide within 30 days, or 45 at most, giving reasons (s.19(6)).
- If the appeal fails or is not decided, see "RTI second appeal (s.19(3))".
Papers and fees can change. Check with the office before you go. Guidance only, not yet reviewed by a lawyer.
Stamp paper
Plain paper is enough.