1) First Appeal “reply time limit” = FAA must dispose the appeal
In RTI, First Appeal is decided by the First Appellate Authority (FAA) (a senior officer in the same public authority).
Legal time limit (RTI Act, Section 19(6))
- 30 days from the date the FAA receives your First Appeal.
- FAA can extend it, but maximum up to 45 days (total), and reasons must be recorded in writing.
Important: It’s not just “reply” — the law says the appeal must be disposed / decided (meaning an order should be passed).
2) From which date do we count 30 / 45 days?
Count starts from date of receipt by FAA, not from the day you typed/sent it.
Practical safe counting method (recommended)
Use the earliest solid proof you have:
- Speed Post receipt date + tracking delivery date
- Email sent date + delivery/read acknowledgment (if available)
- RTI portal/department portal submission timestamp (if any)
If you have Speed Post tracking showing “Delivered on 01 Feb”, then:
- Day 1 = 01 Feb
- 30-day limit ends = 02 Mar (because you count 30 days including the receipt day in practical RTI practice; many applicants simply treat 30 days after delivery date as the deadline day — either way, after 30 days you can act)
- Maximum 45-day limit ends = 17 Mar
(If you share your “delivered on” date, I can calculate exact last dates.)
Facing delay or no reply on your RTI appeal? RTIwala resolves it fast—contact now.
📞 Call: +91-7999-50-6996
💬 WhatsApp: https://help.rti.link/
3) Can FAA legally take 45 days every time?
No. 45 days is not automatic.
FAA can go beyond 30 days only in special cases, and must:
- record reasons in writing for the extension.
If FAA gives no written reason and keeps it pending, you can treat it as failure to decide within time and escalate.
4) What does FAA usually do in First Appeal?
FAA may:
- Order CPIO/PIO to give information (full/partial) within a time (like 7/10/15 days)
- Uphold the PIO’s denial (reject your appeal)
- Remand/seek clarification and then pass order
- Call for hearing (optional; not mandatory in every case)
But regardless of method, FAA should issue a written order within 30/45 days.
5) What if FAA does not reply within 30–45 days?
✅ Your strongest next step: Second Appeal
RTI Act Section 19(3) allows Second Appeal to the:
- Central Information Commission (CIC) for Central Govt authorities, OR
- State Information Commission (SIC) for State authorities
Time limit for Second Appeal
- Must be filed within 90 days from the date the FAA decision should have been made OR the date you actually received it.
CIC also clearly says: you can file Second Appeal after 45 days of filing First Appeal if no FAA order comes.
✅ So, if FAA is silent:
- Wait till 45 days complete
- Then file Second Appeal (don’t keep waiting endlessly)
6) “Second Appeal” vs “Complaint” — don’t mix them up
Second Appeal (Section 19(3))
Best when:
- You didn’t get info
- You got wrong/partial info
- FAA did not decide in time
Complaint (Section 18)
Used when (examples):
- PIO refused to accept RTI
- You’re forced to pay illegal fee
- No PIO appointed / systemic RTI issue
In most “no reply / denial / delay” cases, Second Appeal is the correct route (because commissions can pass directions on information supply more effectively in appeal route).
Facing delay or no reply on your RTI appeal? RTIwala resolves it fast—contact now.
📞 Call: +91-7999-50-6996
💬 WhatsApp: https://help.rti.link/
