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

Detailed Legal Analysis

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

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

• Understand the Reason for Rejection: Carefully review the rejection letter to understand the grounds on which your RTI application was denied. Common reasons include non-disclosure of information under Section 8 or Section 9 of the RTI Act.
• Draft an Appeal: Prepare your first appeal addressing the facts and the reasons for the rejection. Include:
  • Your name and contact information.
  • The RTI application reference number.
  • The specific information you sought.
  • The grounds on which you believe the information should be disclosed.
• File the Appeal: Submit your appeal to the appropriate First Appellate Authority (FAA) within 30 days of receiving the rejection. The FAA should be a senior officer in the same department as the PIO. You can find the details of the FAA on the official website of the concerned Public Authority.
• Await Response: The FAA is required to respond to your appeal within 30 days of receipt. They may uphold the PIO's decision or direct the PIO to provide the requested information.
• Second Appeal (if necessary): If you are not satisfied with the FAA's decision, you can file a second appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the State Information Commission (SIC), depending on whether the public authority falls under central or state jurisdiction. This must be done within 90 days of receiving the FAA's decision.

It is important to note that under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, you have the right to appeal against the PIO's refusal to disclose information. Additionally, Section 19(3) allows you to further appeal if you believe the response provided by the FAA is inadequate.

Keep copies of all correspondence and submissions for your records, as these may be necessary if further escalation is required.