I want to file an RTI in Ujjain 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 Ujjain, you have the right to appeal this decision.

Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, you can challenge the rejection through the following steps:

• Understand the Grounds for Rejection: Familiarize yourself with the reasons provided by the PIO for the rejection. Common grounds include non-existence of information, lack of clarity in the request, or information falling under exemptions specified in Section 8 of the RTI Act.
• Prepare an Appeal: If you believe the rejection is unjustified, you can file a first appeal with the designated appellate authority. According to Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, this appeal must be made within thirty days from the date of receiving the rejection notice.
• Drafting the Appeal: Your appeal should include:
• Your name and address.
• Details of the RTI application (date of application, particulars of information sought).
• Reasons for the appeal against the PIO's decision.
• Any supporting documents, if necessary.
• Submission of Appeal: Submit the appeal to the appellate authority, which is typically a senior officer in the same public authority. Ensure to keep a copy of the appeal for your records.
• Wait for Response: The appellate authority is required to respond within 30 days of receiving your appeal, as per Section 19(6) of the RTI Act.
• Further Action: If the first appeal is also rejected or if you do not receive a response, you can file a second appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the State Information Commission (SIC) within 90 days, as per Section 19(3) of the RTI Act.
• File for Penalty (if applicable): If you feel that the PIO has willfully denied information without a valid reason, you can request for penalty against the PIO under Section 20 of the RTI Act.

It is important to maintain a record of all correspondence and documents throughout this process to ensure a smooth appeal procedure. You may also seek assistance from RTI activists or legal experts if needed.