Is RTI free of cost?
Sarah Garza
Updated on March 31, 2026
Do I need to make any payment for filing an appeal? As per RTI Act, no fee has to be paid for first appeal.
What means RTI?
Right to Information
RTI stands for Right to Information. Right to Information is a part of fundamental rights under Article 19(1) of the Constitution. Article 19 (1) says that every citizen has freedom of speech and expression.
What are the rules of RTI?
After making payment, an application can be submitted. No RTI fee is required to be paid by any citizen who is below poverty line as per RTI Rules, 2012. However, the applicant must attach a copy of the certificate issued by the appropriate government in this regard, alongwith the application.
Is RTI a fundamental right?
RTI or Right to Information Act is a fundamental right and is an aspect of Article 19 (1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. Right to Information replaced the Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
Who is exempted from paying RTI fee?
Most of the State Governments too have prescribed the RTI fee of Rs. 10 for filing of RTI applications. Applicants who are below the poverty line are exempt from payment from RTI fee on production of the BPL certificate.
What type of questions Cannot be asked in RTI?
You may only ask for specific information under RTI Act, 2005 rather than questioning the action of public authority. ‘ The RTI act does not state that queries must not be answered, nor does it stipulate that prefixes such as ‘why, what, when and whether’ cannot be used.
Is RTI good or bad?
The government argues RTI is not a constitutional right, and CIC and State Information Commission are not constitutional bodies. But, the Supreme Court in catena of landmark cases, has held that RTI, like the right to vote, has emanated from right of expression under Article 19(1)(a).
What is the fees for RTI?
At present, the fee for requesting information through an RTI application from the CPIO of Central public authorities is Rs. 10/-. Most of the State Governments too have prescribed the RTI fee of Rs. 10 for filing of RTI applications.
Who is not covered under RTI?
Most of the intelligence agencies are excluded from the ambit of RTI Act, 2005 as would be seen from Schedule 2 to the Act. However, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI) are notable exclusion to this exemption.
