Table of Contents
- Introduction: What is an RTI Complaint?
- When Can an RTI Applicant File a Complaint?
- Legal Provisions for RTI Complaint under RTI Act
- Fear Factor: What Happens If You Don’t File a Complaint?
- Step-by-Step: How to File an RTI Complaint
- RTI Complaint vs. RTI First Appeal: Key Differences
- Why Choose RTIwala for Filing RTI Complaint?
- Real-Life Examples of RTI Complaints
- FAQs on RTI Complaint
- Conclusion: Protect Your Right with RTIwala
1. Introduction: What is an RTI Complaint?
An RTI complaint is the formal action a citizen can take when their RTI application is ignored or wrongly rejected. Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, every RTI applicant has the right to approach the Information Commission if:
- No Public Information Officer (PIO) is appointed.
- The PIO refuses to accept your application.
- The reply is delayed beyond 30 days.
- The RTI fee is wrongly demanded.
Many people think filing an RTI is enough, but without follow-up through complaints and appeals, authorities often bury cases. That’s why using RTIwala for online RTI filing ensures your case doesn’t go unheard.
2. When Can an RTI Applicant File a Complaint?
You can file an RTI complaint in situations like:
- No reply within 30 days of filing your RTI application.
- PIO refuses to take your application.
- Excessive fee demand without reason.
- Information denied illegally, citing vague exemptions.
- No PIO/FAA appointed in the department.
Example: A citizen in Haryana tried to get land records through RTI. The PIO denied the application saying “not applicable.” He filed an RTI complaint, and the Information Commission directed the department to provide the documents.
3. Legal Provisions for RTI Complaint under RTI Act
- Section 18 of RTI Act, 2005 empowers citizens to file complaints directly to the State or Central Information Commission.
- No time limit is fixed, but complaints should be filed without unnecessary delay.
- The Commission has the authority to impose penalties on PIOs who fail to perform their duty.
However, drafting an RTI complaint is not simple. Wrong wording or missing documents can lead to rejection. That’s why RTIwala provides expert drafting and filing services to protect your rights.
4. Fear Factor: What Happens If You Don’t File a Complaint?
- Your RTI dies silently. Authorities will ignore your request.
- You lose proof. Without complaint, corruption in land, jobs, or funds goes unchallenged.
- Delayed justice. Exam results, recruitment cut-offs, pension dues may remain hidden.
- Permanent loss. Once deadlines pass, you may never get the information.
Every year, thousands of RTI applicants lose critical cases because they don’t know how file RTI complaints. Don’t let your voice go unheard — let RTIwala handle your complaint professionally.
5. Step-by-Step: How to File an RTI Complaint
Step 1: Draft the Complaint
Include:
- Details of your original RTI application (date, authority).
- Proof of submission (postal receipt, online acknowledgement).
- Grounds of complaint (no reply, refusal, delay, etc.).
Step 2: Attach Evidence
Copies of RTI application, fee receipt, and any correspondence.
Step 3: Address the Correct Authority
Send the complaint to the State or Central Information Commission depending on the department.
Step 4: Submit the Complaint
- Offline: By post or hand delivery.
- Online: RTIwala’s online RTI filing service for faster and error-free submission.
Step 5: Follow-Up
Track progress and prepare for hearings if required.
Filing it yourself can be confusing, but with RTIwala, your complaint is drafted, filed, and monitored by experts.
6. RTI Complaint vs. RTI First Appeal: Key Differences
| Aspect | RTI First Appeal | RTI Complaint |
|---|---|---|
| Filed To | First Appellate Authority (within department) | Information Commission |
| Timeline | Within 30 days of unsatisfactory reply | No strict limit, but early filing preferred |
| When Used | Unsatisfactory or no reply | Refusal to accept RTI, no PIO, illegal fee demand |
| Relief | Orders PIO to reply properly | Can impose penalties, order disclosure |
Confused about whether to file an appeal or complaint? RTIwala helps you decide and file the right process.
7. Why Choose RTIwala for Filing RTI Complaint?
- Expert Drafting – Strong legal language to ensure acceptance.
- Correct Authority – Complaint filed at the right commission.
- Appeal Assistance – If needed, RTIwala also files First and Second Appeals.
- Anonymous RTI Filing – Protects applicant’s identity in sensitive matters.
- Nationwide Coverage – From Haryana to Kerala, file RTI complaints anywhere.
Call: +91-7999-50-6996 now!
File Your RTI Complaint Online Now
8. Real-Life Examples of RTI Complaints
- Recruitment Transparency: A student in UP got exam cut-offs only after filing an RTI complaint.
- Police Accountability: Families in Bihar forced police to disclose FIR status after their complaint reached the Commission.
- Land Scam Exposure: Villagers in Maharashtra exposed illegal land allotments through RTI complaints.
- Pension Release: A retired employee finally got dues after a complaint forced officials to act.
These stories prove why filing RTI online with professional help matters.
9. FAQs on RTI Complaint
Q1. What is an RTI complaint?
It’s a formal request to the Information Commission when your RTI is ignored or wrongly handled.
Q2. When can I file an RTI complaint?
If no PIO is appointed, RTI is refused, or fee is wrongly demanded.
Q3. Do I need a lawyer for RTI complaint?
Not necessarily. With RTIwala, expert drafting ensures your complaint is strong.
Q4. Can I file RTI complaint online?
Yes, through platforms like RTIwala, you can file online RTI complaint easily.
Q5. What’s the difference between RTI complaint and appeal?
An appeal is against unsatisfactory reply, while a complaint is against refusal, delay, or illegal action.
10. Conclusion: Protect Your Right with RTIwala
The RTI complaint is your shield when authorities ignore or mishandle your RTI application. But poorly drafted or misdirected complaints are often rejected, leaving citizens helpless.
Don’t let corruption and inefficiency win.
With RTIwala, you can file online RTI, track complaints, and ensure justice with professional guidance.
Call: +91-7999-50-6996 now!
