What should we do if we do not get any information from the RTI response?

Law4u App Download
Answer By law4u team

If you do not receive the information you requested in the response to your Right to Information (RTI) application, you may consider the following steps: Check the Response: Review the response carefully to ensure that the information you sought is not included. Sometimes, the information may be provided but might be overlooked. Seek Clarification: If the response is unclear or incomplete, you may seek clarification from the public information officer (PIO) or the relevant authority. You can write a letter or send an email to request additional information or clarification on the points that were not adequately addressed. First Appeal: If you are dissatisfied with the response or if you do not receive any response within the stipulated time frame, you can file a first appeal. The first appeal should be addressed to the appellate authority, which is usually a senior officer in the public authority. Drafting the First Appeal: Clearly state the grounds for your appeal, such as non-receipt of information, incomplete information, or dissatisfaction with the response. Attach a copy of your original RTI application, the response received, and any other relevant documents. Submit the First Appeal: Submit the first appeal to the designated appellate authority within the time frame specified by the RTI Act. The time frame for filing an appeal is usually within 30 days from the date of receiving the response or from the date when the response was expected. Second Appeal (if necessary): If the first appeal is also unsuccessful or if you do not receive a response within the prescribed time, you may file a second appeal to the Information Commission at the central or state level, as applicable. Escalate to the Information Commission: Lodge a second appeal by providing details of your case, the responses received, and the grounds for dissatisfaction. The Information Commission will review your case and can direct the public authority to provide the necessary information. Legal Recourse (if necessary): In extreme cases, where there is a violation of the RTI Act, legal recourse may be an option. Consult with a legal professional for advice on whether filing a writ petition in a court is appropriate in your situation. Remember to keep copies of all communication, including your RTI application, responses, and appeals, for your records. It's essential to adhere to the timelines specified in the RTI Act for filing appeals to ensure that your case is processed effectively.

Answer By Anik

Dear client, There are multiple legal remedies availability if an RTI response is not received or is incomplete, misleading, or denied without justification: • File a first appeal: if the PIO fails to provide the requested information within 30 days, the applicant can file a first appeal with the designated first appellate authority in the respective department. • File a second appeal: if the first appeal does not lead to a satisfactory response, the applicant can escalate the matter to the central or state information commission by filing a second appeal. • Complaint to information commission: if the there is a deliberate refusal to provide information, incorrect or misleading data is given, or the PIO does not acknowledge the RTI applications, the applicants can file a direct complaint with the relevant information commission. • Seek legal remedies: if the information commission does not provide adequate relief, the applicant can approach the high court or supreme court under the article 226 and 32 of the Indian constitution, seeking a writ petition for enforcement of their right to information. • Approach Lokpal or lokayukta: if the information sought relates to corruption, misuse of power or administrative inefficiency, the applicant can file a complaint with the Lokpal or the lokayukta. • Use media and public advocacy: in cases where important public interest information is denied, media coverage and social activism can be effective in pressuring authorities to disclose the information. • Refile the RTI with better clarity: sometimes, applications are rejected due to ambiguity or vague wording. COMMON REASONS FOR RTI DENIAL • Information related to national security, sovereignty, or international relations • Details that could infringe on personal privacy • Data that could obstruct law enforcement or judicial processes • Commercial secrets or intellectual property rights We hope this clarifies your query. Please feel free to reach out for further assistance. Thank you.

Answer By Ayantika Mondal

Dear client, If you do not receive a satisfactory response to your RTI request, there are several legal remedies available to address the issue: 1. First Appeal: If the Public Information Officer (PIO) does not provide the requested information within 30 days, you can file a first appeal with the designated authority in the relevant department. 2. Second Appeal: Should the first appeal fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, you can escalate the matter by submitting a second appeal to either the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission. 3. Direct Complaint to the Information Commission: If you encounter a willful denial of information, receive incorrect or misleading responses, or if the PIO fails to acknowledge your RTI application, you can file a direct complaint with the appropriate information commission. 4. Legal Action: In situations where the information commission does not provide sufficient relief, you may seek legal remedies by petitioning the High Court or the Supreme Court under Articles 226 and 32 of the Indian Constitution, requesting a writ for the enforcement of your right to information. 5. Contacting Lokpal or Lokayukta: For information related to corruption, misuse of power, or issues of administrative inefficiency, you can file a complaint with the Lokpal or Lokayukta. 6. Engaging the Media and Advocacy Groups: If important public interest information is denied, enlisting the help of media outlets and social activism can be an effective way to pressure authorities into disclosing the information. 7. Refiling the RTI with Improved Clarity: If your initial application is rejected due to vagueness or ambiguity, consider refiling the RTI request with clearer and more specific wording. Common Reasons for RTI Denials: • Information pertaining to national security, sovereignty, or international relations. • Details that could violate personal privacy. • Data that may hinder law enforcement or judicial proceedings. • Commercial secrets or matters concerning intellectual property rights. We hope this clarifies your query. Please feel free to reach out for further assistance. Thank you.

R.T.I Related Questions

Discover clear and detailed answers to common questions about R.T.I. Learn about procedures and more in straightforward language.