APPLYING THE LAW

Responding to Requests: Time limits

When you receive an information request, it is important to remember that under every single Indian RTI law currently in force, you will be required to provide a written response to the application within a set timeframe, usually between 15-30 days. However, wherever possible you should provide the information as soon as possible.

Under section 7(1) of the Central Act, PIOs must respond to applications as expeditiously as possible and no later than 30 days.

However, if confidential third party information is involved, the PIO has to wait 10 days to allow the third party time to make a representation regarding whether the information should be disclosed. This means that the PIO has up to 40 days to make a decision).

Significantly, section 7(1) also requires that an application must be processed within 48 hours if the information requested relates to the life or liberty of a person.

Once you have decided to release information and the requester has paid any relevant fees, the information must be made available to the requester forthwith.

Please click on the link to the Central RTI Act to read the detailed provisions contained in the law. Please click on the link to CHRI's State RTI pages to find out more about relevant rules and implementation in your specific State.