But the shortcomings persist. This includes delays in providing information under the RTI Act, misleading or inconsistent information, and rejection of applications without proper reasons. 

Despite the challenges, the RTI applications have increased steadily and dramatically. How?

According to the CIC, this was driven primarily by the seamless process of filing RTI applications online. 

Rejection Of RTI Requests

In many cases, the Public Information Officers reject RTI requests, citing confidentiality, which has also led to an increase in the number of appeals.

As per the CIC report for 2024-25, a total of 1,795,024 applications were received. Out of these, only 3.26% (58,501 applications) were rejected. Departments such as Finance, Law & Justice, and Petroleum have the highest rejection rates, along with departments dealing with sensitive or security-related information. The use of e-Courts, video conferencing, and online RTI portals has increased significantly. 

Departments with high public interaction, such as Corporate Affairs, Finance, Railways, Home, and Education, have seen a manifold rise in information requests.

According to Chief Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya, as stated in the CIC report, "public authorities at the central and state level should make the process of providing information more transparent. It is necessary to ensure that the information provided is timely and accurate."

As per the Chief Information Commissioner's statement, "All the public authorities must fully comply with the RTI Act rules. Recommendations made by the CIC under Section 25(5) should be followed. Additionally, increased use of digital systems, stronger accountability, and penalty mechanisms will ensure that citizens receive proper justice."

Online RTI Applications

The RTI Act in India was passed on 15 June 2005 and came into full effect on 12 October 2005. It gives citizens the right to obtain information from government departments.

When the RTI Act was implemented, applications were accepted offline. However, with technological advancement, the Centre launched an online RTI portal in 2013 for Central Ministries and Departments. Gradually, states expanded this system. States such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi launched their own online RTI portals. 

Currently, not only applications but also fees, appeals, and case tracking are handled digitally. According to the CIC report, the online system has made RTI faster, more transparent, and user-friendly.

High Pendency In States

However, some states are facing a high pendency. As per the Report Card on the Performance of Information Commissioners in India 2024-25 by Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS), there are 413,972 pending appeals/applications across 29 states. Among them, Maharashtra has the highest number of pending applications (95,340 cases), followed by Karnataka (47,825), and Tamil Nadu (41,059). 

RTI is considered a strong tool in the fight against corruption. With online filing of information requests becoming easier, anyone can submit an application from home. People are also seeking information related to pensions, ration, land, and employment issues.

What Is 'Information' As Per The Law?

"Information" means any material in any form, such as records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, advice, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, electronic data, and any information relating to a private body that can be accessed by a public authority. Information may be denied if it affects national security, may lead to an offence, is restricted by court order, threatens someone’s life, is personal information unrelated to public interest, or involves trade secrets or intellectual property.