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

Detailed Legal Analysis

You can file an RTI application in Ludhiana under Punjab Rent Control Act 1995, which adapts the Central RTI Act and prescribes the fee, format, and timelines for the state. The application fee, currently prescribed under the state rules and payable through court-fee stamps, treasury challan, or IPO, must accompany the application submitted to the Public Information Officer of the concerned department.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that public authorities cannot reject applications on hyper-technical grounds and that the PIO must supply information or reject the request within thirty days. If you do not get a reply, you can file a first appeal with the First Appellate Authority and then a second appeal before the State Information Commission constituted under Punjab Rent Control Act 1995.

Keep the receipt of the fee and the dated copy of the application to establish the timeline for your appeal.