Files, copies & follow-upsIndia

Draft an RTI request for records showing a pending file’s progress

Get your facts together with a trusted grown-up.

Ask for existing acknowledgements, movement records and decisions, then select the correct central or state RTI route.

DisputePublic officeStarter draft

Who it goes to: CPIO / SPIO of the public authority holding the identified records

Where it applies: India; the named authority, state and record-specific rules apply

Build this
01 · What is this?

This draft asks for existing papers showing what happened to a pending application.

02 · When is it useful?

Use it when you need documentary information rather than an approval order.

03 · Start here

Identify the record holder and check whether it is central or state-controlled.

Gather your pieces

  1. RTI is for Indian citizens; confirm eligibility and the record-holding authority.
  2. DoPT RTI Online covers listed central authorities, not state authorities or NCT Delhi offices.
  3. Check current fee/exemption and attachment rules on the correct route.

Your starting text

Replace each [bracketed label] with your own verified details. Open the editor to make it yours, then read it through before sending.

Date: [Document date]
To: [Recipient / office]
Subject: Request for information under the Right to Information Act, 2005

Applicant: [Applicant / sender]
Indian citizenship confirmation: [Citizenship Confirmation]
Underlying application / file reference: [File / application / case reference]
Relevant date range: [Date Range]

Please provide these existing records held by or under the control of the authority, described sufficiently to identify them:
[Information Items]

Items may include specified acknowledgements, recorded file movements, deficiency communications, decisions or the applicable published procedure. Identify the exact items above; this request does not seek a newly created explanation or approval of the underlying application.

Requested information format:
[Access Mode]
Fee payment or claimed exemption details under the applicable rules:
[Fee Or Exemption]

If information cannot be supplied, please communicate the applicable decision and review information through the statutory process. Transfer, redaction and third-party steps should follow the applicable Act and rules.

Correspondence contact:
[Reply contact / delivery preference]
Attachments required by the chosen route:
[Attachment list]

[Applicant / sender]

Your next moves

  1. Transfer reviewed wording to the proper form/route and keep the receipt.
  2. Track fee notices and replies through the official channel.
  3. Record actual dates for review; grievances and approval requests use separate routes.

Real-world check

Original wording starter, not a filed request or guarantee of disclosure. Exemptions, third-party procedure and authority selection matter; central rules are not universal state rules.

Sources & official links