The Right to Information Act, 2005 provides a clear time limit within which a public authority must respond to an RTI application.
Normal Cases
The Public Information Officer (PIO) must provide a reply within 30 days from the date of receiving the RTI application.
If the Application is Transferred
If the RTI application is transferred to another public authority, the response may take up to 35 days.
Life or Liberty Matters
If the information requested concerns the life or liberty of a person, the information must be provided within 48 hours.
If the applicant does not receive a reply within the prescribed time limit, they have the right to file a First Appeal.
