To file a complaint under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, you can approach the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commission (SIC) depending on the public authority involved. When can you file a complaint (not appeal) under RTI? Under Section 18 of the RTI Act, you can file a complaint in these cases: No Public Information Officer (PIO) is appointed PIO refuses to accept your RTI application You are refused access to information No reply is received within 30 days Fees charged are unreasonable False or misleading information is provided You are unable to submit an RTI due to disability or other reason Steps to File a Complaint under RTI Act: 1. Identify the Authority: Central Information Commission: for Central Government departments State Information Commission: for State Government departments 2. Draft the Complaint: Include the following: Your name and contact details Name of the public authority and PIO Details of your RTI application (date, content, method) Grounds for complaint Relief sought (e.g., information disclosure, penalty, etc.) Supporting documents: copy of RTI, postal proof, replies, etc. 3. Submit the Complaint: A. Central Information Commission (for central departments): Online: [https://cic.gov.in](https://cic.gov.in) → “File Complaint” Offline: Send complaint by post to: Central Information Commission, Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi – 110067 B. State Information Commission (for state departments): Visit the official website of your state’s SIC (e.g., [sic.maharashtra.gov.in](http://sic.maharashtra.gov.in), [sic.gujarat.gov.in](https://sic.gujarat.gov.in), etc.) Some states also offer online filing, others accept postal complaints Fee: No fee is required to file a complaint under Section 18. (Only RTI application requires a ₹10 fee — not the complaint.) Time Limit: There is no specific time limit under Section 18, but it is advisable to file the complaint soon after the violation.

Dear Client, Depending on whether the public authority is a part of the federal or state government you must file a complaint under the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 with the Central or State Information Commission. For instance if no Public Information Officer (PIO) is appointed, records are not made available, fees are excessive or information is not provided in a timely manner a complaint may be made under Section 18 of the RTI Act. You must submit a straightforward application to the relevant Information Commission with your grievance. It should contain your name, address case facts, public authority information and the requested relief. A copy of your RTI application and any answers you received should be attached. Complaints are not subject to a fee. If the Commission offers it you can submit it online or by mail. After reviewing your complaint and hearing both sides the Information Commission may give you instructions to make sure you receive the information or relief you requested. I hope this answer helps. In case of future queries, please feel free to contact us. Thank you.