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

Detailed Legal Analysis

If your request under the Right to Information Act (RTI) has been rejected by the Public Information Officer (PIO) in Surat, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Here are the steps you can follow to challenge the rejection of your RTI application:

• Review the Rejection: Understand the reasons provided for the rejection. The PIO must cite specific sections of the RTI Act under which the information was denied (e.g., Section 8 or Section 9).
• Draft an Appeal: Prepare a formal appeal against the rejection. The appeal must be addressed to the first appellate authority (FAA) within the same public authority.
• Include Essential Details: Your appeal should include the following details:
  • Your name and contact information.
  • Your original RTI application details (date and reference number).
  • The reasons for rejection as stated by the PIO.
  • Your arguments as to why the information should be provided, referring to relevant sections of the RTI Act.
• Submit the Appeal: File the appeal within 30 days of receiving the rejection notice, as mandated by Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, 2005.
• Await Response: The FAA is required to respond to your appeal within 30 days of receipt, as per Section 19(6) of the RTI Act.
• Further Appeal (if necessary): If you are not satisfied with the FAA's decision, you can further appeal to the State Information Commission under Section 19(3) within 90 days of the FAA's decision.

It's essential to keep copies of all documents submitted and received throughout the process for your records.

For more information, you can refer to the Right to Information Act, 2005, particularly:

• Section 6: Right to information.
• Section 8: Exemption from disclosure of information.
• Section 19: Appeals.

By following these steps, you can effectively challenge the rejection of your RTI application and seek the information you are entitled to under the law.