How do I file an RTI application in Hyderabad under the state RTI rules and what is the fee?

Detailed Legal Analysis

To file a Right to Information (RTI) application in Hyderabad under the state RTI rules, you must follow the procedures outlined in the Telangana Right to Information Act, 2015, which is in alignment with the Central RTI Act, 2005.

Here are the steps to file an RTI application in Hyderabad:

• Identify the Public Authority: Determine which public authority holds the information you are seeking. This could be a government department, local body, or any other public institution.
• Draft the RTI Application: Your application should contain the following:
  • Name and address of the applicant.
  • Details of the information sought, including specifics to enable the authority to identify the records.
  • Preferred mode of receiving the information (in person, by post, etc.).
• Submit the Application: You can submit the RTI application in person, by post, or online (if the authority has an online portal). Ensure that it is addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department.
• Pay the Application Fee: The fee for filing an RTI application in Telangana is as follows:
  • Rs. 10 for each application, payable in cash or through a demand draft or Indian postal order.
  • For information provided in printed form, additional charges may apply as per the rates fixed by the respective public authority.
  • No fee is required for requesting information from below the poverty line (BPL) applicants.
• Wait for Response: The PIO is obliged to respond within 30 days of receiving the application. If the information requested concerns the life or liberty of a person, the response time is reduced to 48 hours.
• Appeals: If you do not receive a satisfactory response, you can file an appeal with the first appellate authority within 30 days of the receipt of the response or the expiry of the prescribed period for response.

Relevant provisions can be found under the Telangana Right to Information Act, 2015, particularly Sections 6 (request for information), 7 (disposal of request), and 19 (appeal). It is advisable to keep a copy of your application and any correspondence for future reference.