I want to file an RTI in Meerut to get information on a public works project but the PIO rejected it. What next?

Detailed Legal Analysis

If your Right to Information (RTI) application has been rejected by the Public Information Officer (PIO) in Meerut, you have the option to appeal the decision under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Here are the steps you can take to file an appeal:

• Understand the Grounds for Rejection: Review the rejection letter carefully to understand the reasons cited by the PIO. Common grounds for rejection include lack of clarity in the application, seeking information exempted under Section 8 of the RTI Act, or failure to pay the requisite fees.
• File an Appeal: Under Section 19 of the RTI Act, if you are dissatisfied with the response of the PIO, you can file an appeal to the Appellate Authority. This must be done within 30 days from the date of the receipt of the rejection letter.
• Drafting the Appeal: Your appeal should include the following details:
• Your name and contact information.
• A reference to the original RTI application.
• The date of the rejection notice.
• The reasons for your appeal, addressing the points made in the rejection.
• A request for the information sought in the original RTI application.
• Submit the Appeal: The appeal can be submitted to the designated Appellate Authority in the same department from which you sought information. Make sure to keep a copy of the appeal for your records.
• Await Response: The Appellate Authority is required to respond to your appeal within 30 days of receiving it, as per Section 19(6) of the RTI Act.
• Further Action: If your appeal is also rejected or you do not receive a satisfactory response, you can approach the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the State Information Commission (SIC), as applicable, under Section 19(3) of the RTI Act. This must be done within 90 days of the Appellate Authority's decision.

Additionally, it is advisable to maintain a record of all communications and submissions related to your RTI application and appeals for future reference. The RTI Act empowers citizens to seek information, and it is essential to exercise this right effectively.