RTI Second Appeal to the CIC: When the First Appeal Fails and How to File Online

RTI Second Appeal to the CIC: When the First Appeal Fails and How to File Online

If you filed an RTI application with a Central Government public authority but the information was denied, incomplete, misleading, or never supplied, the First Appeal is not necessarily the end of the process.

After the First Appellate Authority (FAA) has rejected your appeal, provided an unsatisfactory response, or failed to decide it within the prescribed period, you can approach the Central Information Commission (CIC) through a Second Appeal under Section 19(3) of the RTI Act, 2005. Central Information Commission

The CIC currently provides an online filing facility, and its upgraded Second Appeals & Complaints portal was restored in August 2026. Central Information Commission

When can you file a Second Appeal?

A Second Appeal is generally appropriate when:

• The CPIO did not provide the requested information.
• The information supplied is incomplete.
• The CPIO rejected the RTI request and you disagree with the decision.
• You received an unsatisfactory response to your First Appeal.
• The First Appellate Authority did not pass an order within the prescribed period.

The CIC states that a second appeal can be filed against the FAA's decision or when the FAA does not make a decision within the applicable period, which can extend to 45 days. Central Information Commission

The basic route

RTI application → CPIO response/no response → First Appeal → FAA response/no response → Second Appeal to CIC

You generally should not skip the First Appeal and directly approach the CIC with a Second Appeal. The CIC specifically states that a First Appeal should be filed before moving to a Second Appeal. Central Information Commission

When should you file the Second Appeal?

Section 19(3) provides a 90-day period for filing a Second Appeal.

The CIC's current guidelines explain that:

• If you receive the FAA's decision, the Second Appeal should generally be filed within 90 days of receiving that decision.
• If the FAA does not respond, the Second Appeal can be filed after the applicable 45-day period has expired, with the 90-day period then running as specified by the CIC guidelines. Central Information Commission

If you are late, you should include a request for condonation of delay explaining the sufficient cause for the delay. The CIC can admit a delayed appeal when it is satisfied that there was sufficient cause. Central Information Commission

First Appeal rejected vs. First Appeal ignored

There are two common situations.

1. FAA rejected or inadequately answered your appeal

You can challenge the decision through a Second Appeal.

For example, you asked for a government file noting, the CPIO denied it, and the FAA upheld the denial. Your Second Appeal should explain:

• What information you originally requested.
• What the CPIO said.
• What you argued in the First Appeal.
• What the FAA decided.
• Why you believe the information should be provided.

2. FAA did not respond

You do not have to wait indefinitely.

The CIC says an applicant can approach it when the FAA has failed to decide the First Appeal within the specified period, with the maximum period being 45 days. Central Information Commission

Keep proof of when you filed the First Appeal because it establishes the relevant timeline.

CIC or State Information Commission?

This is an important distinction.

The Central Information Commission deals with Central Public Authorities. Central Information Commission

For an RTI concerning a State Government public authority, the appropriate forum is normally the relevant State Information Commission, not the CIC.

For example, an RTI concerning a Central Ministry can fall under the CIC, while an RTI concerning a State Government department generally goes through the State RTI appellate mechanism.

The Central RTI Online portal also specifically warns users not to file RTI applications through it for State Government public authorities. RTI Online

How to file a Second Appeal online

The CIC's online system has been integrated with the Department of Personnel and Training's RTI Online portal.

The RTI Online system states that while filing a Second Appeal, applicants can enter the First Appeal Registration Number, email ID and date of filing the First Appeal, after which related RTI and First Appeal details can be retrieved from the portal. RTI Online

The CIC also currently provides an upgraded Second Appeals & Complaints portal at dss.cic.gov.in, where applicants can log in using their registered email ID or mobile number. Central Information Commission

Step 1: Collect your RTI records

Before starting the online form, keep copies of:

1. Original RTI application
2. CPIO's response, if any
3. First Appeal
4. FAA's order, if any
5. Other documents relevant to your case
6. Proof of filing/service

The CIC specifically lists the RTI application, CPIO reply, First Appeal, FAA order, relevant supporting documents and an index among the documents required for a Second Appeal. Central Information Commission

Step 2: Make the documents legible

The CIC's Second Appeal guidelines require the relevant documents to be legible and authenticated/verified by the appellant. Documents should be in Hindi or English, or accompanied by an appropriate Hindi/English translation. Central Information Commission

Scan the documents before starting the online application.

Step 3: Open the CIC's online filing facility

Use the official CIC website and its Appeal and Complaint Online service.

The Commission announced in August 2026 that online filing of Second Appeals and Complaints had been restored following an upgrade of its portal. Central Information Commission

Step 4: Enter the First Appeal details

If your First Appeal was filed through the RTI Online system, keep its registration number, email ID and filing date ready.

The integrated system can retrieve relevant RTI and First Appeal details using these particulars. RTI Online

Step 5: Describe what went wrong

The Second Appeal should not simply say:

"I did not get the information."

Give the CIC a clear sequence of events.

A useful structure is:

RTI filed: date + registration number

Information requested: briefly list the questions/documents

CPIO response: explain what was supplied or denied

First Appeal: date + registration number

FAA decision: explain the decision or state that no decision was received

Grounds for Second Appeal: explain specifically why the information remains unavailable or why the denial is disputed

Relief sought: state exactly what you want the CIC to direct the public authority to do

The CIC's guidelines specifically recommend providing the background, information sought, information not provided, reasons for dissatisfaction, specific grounds and a specific prayer/relief. Central Information Commission

What should you ask the CIC for?

Your prayer or relief should be precise.

For example:

"I request the Commission to direct the concerned CPIO to provide the information sought in my RTI application dated [date], particularly the documents listed at points 1 to 4, in accordance with the RTI Act."

If only some information is missing, identify those specific points instead of asking generally for "all information."

The CIC has powers under Section 19(8) to require the public authority to take steps necessary to secure compliance with the RTI Act, including providing access to information in the requested form where appropriate. Central Information Commission

Can you ask for compensation?

In appropriate circumstances, a Second Appeal can include a request for compensation.

However, don't simply write:

"Give me compensation."

The CIC's guidelines say that where compensation is sought, the appellant should provide specific grounds and details of the detriment suffered because the information was not provided. Central Information Commission

Explain the actual loss or detriment and connect it to the failure to provide information.

Can you ask for penalty against the CPIO?

The RTI Act gives the Commission power to impose penalties in appropriate cases. Central Information Commission

If you believe penalty provisions are attracted, explain the relevant facts rather than simply demanding punishment.

The Second Appeal should remain focused on the statutory issue and the information sought.

Is there a fee for a Second Appeal?

No fee is required for filing a Second Appeal or complaint before the CIC. Central Information Commission

This is different from the fee that may apply when filing the original RTI application to a Central public authority.

How many copies are required?

For a Second Appeal filed with the CIC, the Commission's FAQ says one copy of the Second Appeal along with proof of service on the CPIO and FAA is required. Central Information Commission

For online filing, follow the document-upload and service instructions displayed by the current portal.

Do you need to send the Second Appeal to the public authority?

The CIC's guidelines recommend providing proof that a copy of the Second Appeal was furnished to the public authority. Central Information Commission

Keep the proof of service with your case records.

What documents should you keep in one folder?

Create a simple RTI file containing:

The CIC specifically requires the core RTI and appeal documents to be submitted with the Second Appeal. Central Information Commission

Second Appeal format: what should it contain?

The CIC FAQ reproduces the prescribed appeal format under the RTI Rules. It includes:

1. Name and address of appellant
2. CPIO details
3. Details of the CPIO who replied
4. FAA details
5. Particulars of the RTI application
6. Details of the order being challenged
7. Brief facts
8. Prayer/relief sought
9. Grounds
10. Other relevant information
11. Verification/authentication by the appellant Central Information Commission

This gives you a useful checklist when preparing the online appeal.

Second Appeal vs RTI Complaint

These two remedies are often confused.

A Second Appeal under Section 19(3) challenges the handling of your RTI request through the CPIO/FAA process. The CIC can, in appropriate cases, direct the public authority to provide information. Central Information Commission

A Complaint under Section 18 is a different remedy available on specified grounds, such as situations involving refusal to accept an RTI application or inability to obtain information in circumstances covered by Section 18.

The CIC specifically notes that a complaint and a Second Appeal have different purposes and powers. Central Information Commission

If your main objective is getting the information that was denied, the distinction matters when choosing the appropriate route.

What happens after online filing?

After the CIC receives the Second Appeal, it is scrutinised and processed according to the Commission's procedure.

The Commission's current portal also allows case-related documents to be submitted online after login, including link papers and compliance/non-compliance documents. Central Information Commission

Keep checking the case status and retain your registration details.

If your 90-day period has already expired

Do not simply ignore the deadline.

If the Second Appeal is filed beyond the prescribed 90-day period, the CIC guidelines require a request for condonation of delay explaining why the appeal could not be filed within time. The Commission may admit a delayed appeal if sufficient cause is established. Central Information Commission

Before you click Submit

Use this checklist:

• RTI application copy ready
• CPIO reply attached, if received
• First Appeal copy ready
• FAA order attached, if received
• Proof of First Appeal filing available
• Relevant supporting documents attached
• Documents signed/self-attested/verified as required
• Grounds for Second Appeal clearly written
• Specific information/relief requested
• Delay explanation prepared, if applicable
• Proof of service available
• Correct Commission selected — CIC for a Central public authority
• Application/reference number saved after submission

Official online resources

Use the official Central Information Commission website for Second Appeal guidelines, FAQs and online services. Central Information Commission

Central Information Commission — Second Appeal Guidelines

CIC — Second Appeal Information

RTI Online Portal

The CIC currently lists its upgraded online filing portal as dss.cic.gov.in and says applicants can file Second Appeals and Complaints after logging in with their registered email ID or mobile number. Central Information Commission

Bottom line

A rejected or unanswered First Appeal does not necessarily end an RTI matter.

For a Central Government public authority, the next statutory stage is generally a Second Appeal to the Central Information Commission under Section 19(3). File it within the applicable 90-day period, attach the RTI and First Appeal records, clearly explain what information remains unavailable and state the precise relief you seek. Central Information Commission

Most importantly, don't treat the Second Appeal as a fresh RTI application. It is an appeal against how your existing RTI request was handled, so your documents and chronology should clearly connect the original RTI application, the First Appeal and the Second Appeal.