What is the time limit for filing a First Appeal under RTI Act?

The appeal must be filed within 30 days from the date of receipt of the CPIO's decision, or within 30 days from the expiry of the 30-day deadline when no reply was received.

Is there any application fee for filing an RTI First Appeal?

For Central Government ministries and departments, there is zero appeal fee. In certain states, nominal court fee stamps of ₹10 to ₹50 may apply.

What is the maximum time for the First Appellate Authority to decide the appeal?

Under Section 19(6) of the RTI Act, the FAA must dispose of the appeal within 30 days, or up to 45 days for reasons recorded in writing.

Can I seek compensation or penalty on the CPIO through a First Appeal?

The FAA can direct supply of information, while statutory penalty on the CPIO can be imposed by the Information Commission in Second Appeal.

What can I do if the First Appellate Authority also rejects my appeal?

You can file a Second Appeal under Section 19(3) before the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commission (SIC) within 90 days.

Right to Information (RTI) First Appeal Form (Form B)

सूचना का अधिकार (RTI) प्रथम अपील प्रपत्र (धारा 19(1))

यह फॉर्म गाइड हिंदी में पढ़ें (Read in Hindi) →

Statutory statutory appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act 2005 when CPIO fails to provide information within 30 days or provides misleading data.

Documents required (आवश्यक दस्तावेज)

Copy of Original RTI Application (Form A)
Proof of Dispatch / Post Receipt / Online RTI Registration Slip
CPIO's Reply Letter (if any received)
Grounds of First Appeal

Key details

Authority: First Appellate Authority (FAA) of Concerned Department
Stamp paper / fee: None (Zero Court Fee in Central Ministries; State court fees vary ₹10–₹50)
How to submit: Online via rtionline.gov.in or Registered Post to First Appellate Authority
Processing time: 30–45 Days for Mandatory FAA Disposal Order
Official portal: https://rtionline.gov.in

How to apply

Establish Grounds for Filing First Appeal
Confirm that 30 days have elapsed without response from the CPIO, or that the response received is incomplete, misleading, or unfairly rejected.
Identify the Designated First Appellate Authority (FAA)
Locate the designation and official address of the First Appellate Authority (FAA) from the CPIO reply letter or the department's official website.
Draft the Appeal Petition (Form B)
Complete the statutory Form B proforma detailing the original RTI registration number, dispatch date, CPIO details, and specific grounds of appeal.
Attach All Required Supporting Enclosures
Enclose self-attested copies of the original RTI application (Form A), proof of postal dispatch/online acknowledgment, and CPIO reply letter (if any).
Submit Appeal and Track 30 to 45 Day Disposal
Submit online via rtionline.gov.in or send via speed post to the FAA; under Section 19(6) of the RTI Act, the FAA must pass a reasoned speaking order within 30 to 45 days.

How to fill the form

Address the petition to: 'The First Appellate Authority, [Department/Ministry Name], [Address]'.
Enter appellant's full name, address, contact phone number, and email ID.
Quote the original RTI application registration number, date of filing, and CPIO reference number.
Clearly articulate the grounds of prayer: 'Deemed Refusal (No Reply in 30 Days)' or 'Incomplete / False Information provided'.
Sign the verification statement affirming that the contents of the appeal petition are true and accurate.

Common mistakes to avoid

Filing the appeal after the statutory 30-day limitation period without explaining sufficient cause for delay.
Failing to attach a copy of the original RTI Form A application or proof of initial dispatch.
Introducing new questions or seeking fresh information not originally requested in the initial Form A.
Sending the first appeal to the Central/State Information Commission directly (Commission only handles Second Appeals under Section 19(3)).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time limit for filing a First Appeal under RTI Act?: The appeal must be filed within 30 days from the date of receipt of the CPIO's decision, or within 30 days from the expiry of the 30-day deadline when no reply was received.
Is there any application fee for filing an RTI First Appeal?: For Central Government ministries and departments, there is zero appeal fee. In certain states, nominal court fee stamps of ₹10 to ₹50 may apply.
What is the maximum time for the First Appellate Authority to decide the appeal?: Under Section 19(6) of the RTI Act, the FAA must dispose of the appeal within 30 days, or up to 45 days for reasons recorded in writing.
Can I seek compensation or penalty on the CPIO through a First Appeal?: The FAA can direct supply of information, while statutory penalty on the CPIO can be imposed by the Information Commission in Second Appeal.
What can I do if the First Appellate Authority also rejects my appeal?: You can file a Second Appeal under Section 19(3) before the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commission (SIC) within 90 days.

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Right to Information (RTI) First Appeal Form (Form B)

Documents required (आवश्यक दस्तावेज)

Key details

How to apply

Establish Grounds for Filing First Appeal

Identify the Designated First Appellate Authority (FAA)

Draft the Appeal Petition (Form B)

Attach All Required Supporting Enclosures

Submit Appeal and Track 30 to 45 Day Disposal

How to fill the form

Common mistakes to avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

More forms in Legal, Advocate & Court