Akash (XYZ) 11 April 2017

Information under the rti act

Under the Right to Information Act, I had requested registration details of certain vehicle/car numbers. The PIO sent me a letter stating that I have to pay for the details for each car registration number.

Isn't the PIO supposed to provide the information free of charge to a person above the poverty line. The only charges they can take is the xerox copying charges and the postal fee - is my understanding correct?

Whereas for a person below poverty line, then they cannot charge any amount, whether it is one page or five hundred pages- is that correct?

Reply Follow

3 Replies

Rama chary Rachakonda (Secunderabad/Telangana state Highcourt practice watsapp no.9989324294 ) 11 April 2017

The details regarding Rules & Regulations pertaining to fees etc. under the RTI Act may be perused in the website of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (Department of Personnel and Training) i.e. www.persmin.nic.in

Praveen Kumar (Intern Lawyer) 11 April 2017

Dear Mr. Aksah,

You are right the PIO can ask to pay for the xerox copy charges for those pages pertaining the information sought under the RTI Application and if the person belongs to below powerty line he need to enclosed the copy of BPL certificate for the waiver of fee applicable under the RTI Act.

Please also visit the site and go through the rules and regulations as suggested by Mr. Rama chary Rachakonda Ji. If still unsatisfied file first appeal to the concerned appellate authority.

Dr. MPS RAMANI Ph.D.[Tech.] (Scientist/Engineer) 11 April 2017

How much are they asking you to pay? If it is a small amount pay it and get it. If it is a disproportionately large amount complain to the next appellate officer. If his reply is not satisfactory you can go on appeal higher and higher up to the Supreme Court.