Choose the right public authority

Identify the department that holds the records. A Central authority located in a State does not become a State authority merely because of its address. A municipal body, State department or State university generally requires its own appropriate channel.

Look for ‘RTI’, ‘Section 4 disclosures’ or ‘Public Information Officer’ on the authority’s official website. Confirm the office, postal address and First Appellate Authority. Use the official authority list on the filing portal rather than guessing.

RTI Online is the Government of India portal for listed Central public authorities. Do not use it for State government authorities, including the Government of NCT Delhi. A Union Territory label alone does not establish the correct portal: confirm the particular authority is supported.

DoPT provides an official State/UT links directory. Its displayed update date is July 2021, so treat it as a starting point and verify current coverage and rules on the destination government website. If online filing is unavailable, check the authority’s official instructions for postal or in-person filing.

Under Section 6(3), a request (or relevant part) concerning information held by another public authority, or more closely connected with its functions, must be transferred as soon as practicable and within five days, with notice to the applicant.

Addressing the likely record holder first reduces delay. Keep transfer notices because the receiving authority and receipt dates matter when you assess response periods or prepare an appeal.