Yes, an RTI can be filed against the police to seek information such as the FIR copy, investigation status, or action taken report under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Legal Basis: Police departments fall under the definition of "public authorities" under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act. Therefore, you have the legal right to seek certain types of information from them. What You Can Request via RTI: Copy of the FIR (First Information Report) Status of investigation in a criminal case Action taken on a written complaint Case diary details (limited) Names of investigating officers or assigned staff Final report filed under Section 173 CrPC (chargesheet or closure report) Whether the FIR has been forwarded to the magistrate How to File: 1. Address the application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned police station or Commissioner/SP office. 2. Mention your request clearly, e.g.: “Kindly provide the certified copy of FIR No. \_\_\_ dated \_\_\_ filed at Police Station \_\_\_ and status of its investigation.” 3. Pay the ₹10 RTI fee (via IPO/DD/online depending on the state). 4. Submit the application by post, by hand, or via the RTI Online portal ([https://rtionline.gov.in/](https://rtionline.gov.in/)) if applicable. Exceptions (When RTI May Be Rejected): Under Section 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act, information can be denied if it impedes the process of investigation or prosecution. However: Courts have held that mere pendency of investigation is not sufficient reason to deny information. FIRs are public documents (as held in Youth Bar Association of India v. Union of India, 2016). Time Limit for Response: Within 30 days of filing the RTI. If no response, or if denied wrongly, you can file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act. Important Notes: You can only seek information; you cannot ask for reasons or explanations under RTI. You need not be the complainant; any citizen can file RTI for FIR (unless exempted under special circumstances).

Dear Client, Yes, often an RTI application can be instituted to request information to police authorities since they are categorized as a public authority within the definition of the Right to Information Act, 2005, which is an effort to bring in transparency and accountability in all the government institutions. An RTI does not usually apply to some intelligence and security agencies like CBI or NIA in progress in their investigations since it is an exempted section in the Act. Nevertheless, even such organizations that are exempted are not allowed to conceal information that is linked to claims of corruption or abuse of human rights. I hope this answer helps. In case of future queries please feel free to contact us. Thank you.