Kerala RTI Guide: File RTI Online, Appeals & Rules Explained

Kerala has a long history of providing citizens access to government records. Even before the Right to Information Act, 2005 came into force, the Kerala Panchayats (Custody of Records and Grant of Copies of Proceedings or Records) Rules, 1962 allowed people to obtain copies of panchayat records. These transparency measures were further strengthened through amendments to the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act. Today, all RTI applications in the state are governed by the Right to Information Act, 2005, and Kerala continues to record one of the highest RTI filing rates in the country.

Citizens can submit RTI applications online through the official Kerala RTI portals: rtiportal.kerala.gov.in and rtionline.kerala.gov.in. Both portals run on the Information Kerala Mission (IKM) platform and provide access to Kerala Government departments and public authorities. The application fee is Rs 10, while online payment is available through Internet Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, RuPay Card, and UPI. The portals also support Unicode Malayalam, allowing applicants to submit RTI requests in either Malayalam or English. The maximum application length is 3,000 characters. Applicants should not upload Aadhaar, PAN, or any other identity proof unless they are claiming the BPL fee exemption, in which case only the BPL certificate needs to be attached.

The RTI process in Kerala is governed by the Kerala Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2006. If you are not satisfied with the First Appellate Authority’s decision, you can file a Second Appeal or a complaint before the Kerala State Information Commission (KSIC). The Commission also provides an online facility for filing Second Appeals and complaints through rti.sic.kerala.gov.in. The Commission is located at T.C. 26/298, Punnen Road, Thiruvananthapuram – 695001. For assistance, you can call 0471-2335199 or email sic@kerala.nic.in. The KSIC was constituted on 19 December 2005 through Gazette Notification No. 80649/Cdn.5/05/GAD. Its current structure includes the State Chief Information Commissioner and five State Information Commissioners.

For a complete guide covering RTI procedures across India, you can also read our RTI Online India Guide.

Central vs Kerala State RTI: Which Portal Should You Use?

Before filing an RTI, identify whether the organisation is controlled by the Government of Kerala or the Central Government. Choosing the correct portal helps avoid unnecessary delays or transfer of your application.

Use rtiportal.kerala.gov.in or rtionline.kerala.gov.in for Kerala Government departments and public authorities such as:

• Revenue Department – land records, pattayam (patta), mutation, pokkuvaravu, chitta, adangal and survey records
• Kerala Police – FIRs, action taken reports and departmental records
• Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB)
• Kerala Water Authority (KWA)
• Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Gram Panchayats, Block Panchayats, District Panchayats, Municipalities and Municipal Corporations
• Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Thrissur Municipal Corporations
• Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC)
• Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and TRIDA
• Kerala State Housing Board (KSHB)
• Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
• Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA)
• Supplyco (Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation)
• Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC)
• Directorate of Technical Education and State Government colleges
• Kerala University of Health Sciences and Government Medical Colleges
• State welfare schemes, pensions, MGNREGS and PMAY implementation by local bodies

Use the Central RTI Portal (rtionline.gov.in) for Central Government offices located in Kerala, including:

• Southern Railway and its divisions serving Kerala
• Income Tax Department
• Regional Passport Offices
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
• Aadhaar Card Related Issues
• Cochin Port Authority
• BPCL Kochi Refinery
• IIT Palakkad and NIT Calicut
• Central Universities and other Central Government institutions

Kerala High Court: RTI applications relating to the administrative records of the Kerala High Court should be filed through the High Court’s own RTI mechanism under the Kerala High Court (Right to Information) Rules, 2006, and not through the Kerala State RTI portals.

Kerala RTI Fee and Payment Options

The RTI fee in Kerala is prescribed under the Kerala Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2006. The fee structure is the same whether you apply online or offline.

• Application fee: Rs 10 per RTI application
• Photocopies (A4/A3): Rs 2 per page
• Printed publications: Printed price (or Rs 2 per page if unpublished)
• Samples or models: Actual cost
• Information on CD: Rs 50 per CD
• Inspection of records: Free for the first hour, then Rs 5 for every 15 minutes (or part thereof)
• First Appeal: No fee
• Second Appeal/Complaint before KSIC: No fee

The application fee is paid to the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) or the State Assistant Public Information Officer (SAPIO) of the concerned public authority.

BPL applicants do not have to pay the application fee. Simply attach a self-attested copy of your valid BPL card or certificate. Do not upload Aadhaar, PAN, or any other identity document unless specifically required for another purpose.

Online Payment Methods

If you file your RTI through rtiportal.kerala.gov.in or rtionline.kerala.gov.in, you can pay the Rs 10 application fee using:

• UPI
• Internet Banking
• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• RuPay Card

Offline Payment Methods

If you are sending your RTI application by post or submitting it in person, you can pay the application fee through any of these approved methods:

• Court Fee Stamp (commonly used in Kerala)
• Demand Draft (DD)
• Banker’s Cheque
• Pay Order
• Cash (against an official receipt when submitting in person)

Always keep proof of payment, such as the Court Fee Stamp, DD details, bank receipt, or cash receipt. It may be required if you need to file a First Appeal later.

How to File an RTI Online in Kerala

You can submit an RTI application online through either rtiportal.kerala.gov.in or rtionline.kerala.gov.in. Both are official Kerala Government portals built on the same Information Kerala Mission (IKM) platform and provide identical services for filing RTI applications, First Appeals, fee payment, and status tracking.

Step 1: Open the Kerala RTI Portal

Visit rtiportal.kerala.gov.in or rtionline.kerala.gov.in. If you are using the portal for the first time, create an account using your mobile number, email address, and password. Existing users can simply log in.

Step 2: Start a New RTI Application

After logging in, click “New RTI”. The online application form will open.

Step 3: Select the Department

Choose the Government Department or Public Authority from which you want information. Make sure you select the correct department because your application will be forwarded to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO).

Step 4: Write Your RTI Request

Enter your questions in the application box. You can write in Malayalam (Unicode) or English. Ask for specific records, documents, file notings, orders, reports, or certified copies instead of asking for explanations or opinions.

The application text can contain up to 3,000 characters.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents (If Required)

If your RTI application is longer than 3,000 characters or you want to attach supporting documents, upload them as a PDF. Keep the PDF file name simple and avoid spaces or special characters.

If you are claiming the BPL fee exemption, upload only your BPL Certificate/Card. There is no need to upload Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, or any other identity proof.

Step 6: Pay the RTI Fee

Non-BPL applicants need to pay the Rs 10 application fee online. The portal supports:

• UPI
• Internet Banking
• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• RuPay Card

Step 7: Submit the Application

After successful payment, submit the application. The portal immediately generates a unique Registration Number. Save this number carefully because you will need it to track your application and file a First Appeal if required.

Step 8: Track Your RTI Status

Log in to the Kerala RTI portal at any time and open the Application Status section. You can see the current status of your application, payment details, reply uploaded by the department, and other updates.

Can You File an RTI in Malayalam?

Yes. Kerala fully supports RTI applications in Malayalam. Both official RTI portals accept Unicode Malayalam, allowing you to type directly in Malayalam without translating your application into English.

Using Malayalam is particularly helpful when seeking information from local government offices such as Village Offices, Panchayats, Municipalities, Taluk Offices, District Hospitals, and other district-level departments. Public Information Officers cannot refuse an RTI application simply because it is written in Malayalam.

How to File an RTI by Post in Kerala

If you do not want to use the online portal, you can send your RTI application by Speed Post or Registered Post to the concerned department. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Find the Correct Public Information Officer

Identify the department that holds the information you need and note the name and postal address of its State Public Information Officer (SPIO). Sending your application to the correct office helps avoid delays.

Step 2: Write Your RTI Request

Write your RTI request in Malayalam, English, or Hindi. Keep your questions clear and specific. Ask for records, certified copies, reports, file notings, or other documents instead of asking for explanations or opinions.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Attach the Rs 10 application fee. In Kerala, the most commonly used offline payment method is a Court Fee Stamp. You can also pay through a Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, or Pay Order, wherever accepted by the concerned department.

If you are claiming the BPL fee exemption, attach a self-attested copy of your valid BPL Certificate or BPL Card instead of paying the fee.

Step 4: Check the Documents

Before posting your application, make sure you have enclosed:

• Your RTI application.
• Proof of payment (or BPL certificate, if applicable).
• Your postal address and contact details for receiving the reply.

Step 5: Send the Application

Send the application through Speed Post or Registered Post with Acknowledgement Due (AD). Keep the postal receipt safely, as it serves as proof that your application was sent.

Step 6: Keep Copies for Future Use

Keep photocopies of your RTI application, payment proof, and postal receipt. These documents will be useful if you need to file a First Appeal later.

How to Submit an RTI Application in Person

You can also submit your RTI application directly at the office of the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) or State Assistant Public Information Officer (SAPIO).

1. Visit the concerned government office during working hours.
2. Submit your RTI application along with the prescribed fee or BPL certificate.
3. If you pay the fee in cash, collect the official receipt.
4. Ask the receiving officer to acknowledge your application by giving you a dated receipt or acknowledgement.
5. Keep this acknowledgement safely, as it may be required if you need to file a First Appeal.

Response Time for an RTI Application in Kerala

After your RTI application reaches the State Public Information Officer (SPIO), the RTI Act prescribes the following timelines:

• Within 30 days: The SPIO must provide the requested information or reject the request with valid reasons.
• Within 48 hours: If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, it must be supplied within 48 hours.
• Transfer within 5 days: If another public authority holds the information, your application must be transferred within 5 days under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act.
• Additional fee: If extra copying charges are payable, the SPIO will inform you. The time taken by you to pay the additional fee is excluded while calculating the response period.

How to File the First Appeal in Kerala

If you do not receive a reply within 30 days, or the information supplied is incomplete or incorrect, you can file a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department.

Time limit: File the appeal within 30 days from the date of receiving the reply or from the expiry of the prescribed response period.

Appeal fee: No fee is payable.

Decision by FAA: Normally within 30 days, extendable up to 45 days with recorded reasons.

File First Appeal Online

Both official Kerala RTI portals allow you to submit the First Appeal online.

1. Visit rtiportal.kerala.gov.in or rtionline.kerala.gov.in.
2. Log in using your registered account.
3. Click “Submit First Appeal”.
4. Enter the Registration Number of your RTI application.
5. Mention why you are filing the appeal, such as no reply received, incomplete information, or incorrect information.
6. Review the details and submit the appeal. No fee is required.
7. You can track the appeal status from the same portal.

File First Appeal Offline

1. Prepare a written First Appeal addressed to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the concerned department.
2. Attach a copy of your original RTI application.
3. Attach the SPIO’s reply, if received.
4. If no reply was received, mention that clearly in the appeal.
5. Keep copies of all supporting documents.
6. Send the appeal through Speed Post/Registered Post or submit it personally at the department office.

How to File a Second Appeal or Complaint in Kerala

If you are still not satisfied after the First Appeal, or the First Appellate Authority does not decide your appeal within the prescribed time, you can approach the Kerala State Information Commission (KSIC).

You can file either:

• Second Appeal under Section 19 of the RTI Act.
• Complaint under Section 18 of the RTI Act against the Public Information Officer in situations permitted by the RTI Act.

Time limit for Second Appeal: Within 90 days from the FAA’s order or from the date on which the FAA should have decided the appeal.

Fee: No fee is payable for either a Second Appeal or a Complaint.

File Online Through KSIC

1. Visit rti.sic.kerala.gov.in.
2. Create an account or log in using your registered mobile number.
3. Select whether you want to file a Second Appeal or a Complaint.
4. Fill in the online form carefully.
5. Upload the required documents, including:
   • RTI application.
   • Proof of fee payment (if applicable).
   • Reply from the SPIO, if available.
   • Copy of the First Appeal.
   • FAA’s order, if available.
   • Any supporting documents relevant to your case.
6. Submit the application.
7. Use the same portal to check your case status, download hearing notices, view the cause list, and access final orders.

File by Post

If you prefer the offline method, send your Second Appeal or Complaint to:

Registrar / Secretary
Kerala State Information Commission
T.C. 26/298, Punnen Road,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695001

Before sending the application, attach copies of:

• Original RTI application.
• Proof of payment (if applicable).
• Reply received from the SPIO, if any.
• First Appeal filed before the FAA.
• FAA’s order, if available.
• Any other supporting documents.

Kerala State Information Commission Contact Details

• Online Portal: rti.sic.kerala.gov.in
• Official Website: keralasic.gov.in
• Phone: 0471-2335199
• Email: sic@kerala.nic.in
• Address: T.C. 26/298, Punnen Road, Thiruvananthapuram – 695001

Applications submitted through a SAPIO are also valid. The application is forwarded to the concerned SPIO for processing under the RTI Act.

RTI for Kerala Panchayats and Local Bodies

In Kerala, Gram Panchayats, Block Panchayats, District Panchayats, Municipalities, and Municipal Corporations are all separate public authorities under the RTI Act. This means each local body has its own Public Information Officer (PIO) who is responsible for providing information.

If your query relates to building permits, property tax, road works, MGNREGS, waste management, welfare schemes, meeting minutes, or any other records maintained by a local body, submit your RTI directly to that Panchayat, Municipality, or Corporation instead of a state department.

In most Gram Panchayats, the Secretary functions as the Public Information Officer. You can identify the correct local body and office through the official Local Self Government Department portal at lsgkerala.gov.in.

Kerala RTI Tips You Should Know

• Use Malayalam directly on the portal: Both rtiportal.kerala.gov.in and rtionline.kerala.gov.in support Unicode Malayalam. You can type your RTI application directly in Malayalam without converting it into English.
• Keep PDF filenames simple: If you upload supporting documents, avoid spaces in the filename. For example, Revenue_Record.pdf is better than Revenue Record.pdf.
• Don’t upload Aadhaar or PAN: The Kerala RTI portal specifically advises applicants not to upload Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or other identity documents. Upload a BPL certificate only if you are claiming the fee exemption.
• Use the correct PIO for local bodies: For Panchayat, Municipality, or Corporation records, submit the RTI to that local body’s own PIO instead of a state department. This helps avoid unnecessary delays.
• Check online records first: Before filing an RTI for land records or government certificates, check the official portals such as e-Rekha and e-District Kerala. If the required document is already available online, you may not need to file an RTI.
• Second Appeal can also be filed online: If your First Appeal is unsuccessful, you can submit a Second Appeal or Complaint online through the Kerala State Information Commission portal at rti.sic.kerala.gov.in

Kerala CM Grievance Portal: When You Need Action Instead of Information

The Kerala Chief Minister’s Public Grievance Redressal System is different from the RTI Act. If your objective is to solve a problem, such as a delayed government service, pending pension, ration card issue, land mutation delay, electricity complaint, or any other public grievance, filing a complaint through the CM grievance portal is usually the better option.

On the other hand, if you need official records, file notings, documents, inspection reports, or certified copies, you should file an RTI application.

In many cases, both remedies can be used together. First, obtain the relevant records through RTI, then use those documents while submitting a complaint on the Chief Minister’s grievance portal for faster administrative action.

If you need help with the complete complaint process, read our detailed guide: Kerala CM Helpline: Online Complaint Registration Guide.

Quick Reference

Particular	Details
Primary RTI Portal	rtiportal.kerala.gov.in
Alternate RTI Portal	rtionline.kerala.gov.in
Portal Guidelines	rtiportal.kerala.gov.in/index.php/guidelines
Kerala State Information Commission	rti.sic.kerala.gov.in
KSIC Website	keralasic.gov.in
Phone	0471-2335199
Email	sic@kerala.nic.in
Address	T.C. 26/298, Punnen Road, Thiruvananthapuram – 695001
e-Rekha Land Records	erekha.kerala.gov.in
e-District Kerala	edistrict.kerala.gov.in
LSG Kerala Portal	lsgkerala.gov.in
Kerala Government Portal	kerala.gov.in
RTI Application Fee	Rs. 10
Photocopy Charges	Rs. 2 per page
CD Charges	Rs. 50 per CD
Online Payment Modes	Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, RuPay, UPI
Offline Payment Modes	Court Fee Stamp, Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, Pay Order, Cash (in person)
Languages Accepted	Malayalam, English, Hindi
Application Text Limit	3,000 characters
ID Proof Requirement	Do not upload Aadhaar or PAN (except BPL certificate, if applicable)
Central RTI Portal	rtionline.gov.in (Railways, Passport, Income Tax, BPCL, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What makes Kerala’s RTI system different from those of other states?

Ans. Kerala has a long history of giving citizens access to government records. Even before the Right to Information Act, 2005 came into force, people could obtain many Panchayat records under the Kerala Panchayats (Custody of Records and Grant of Copies of Proceedings or Records) Rules, 1962. Today, the RTI Act, 2005 governs all RTI applications in Kerala, and the state continues to have one of the most active RTI systems in the country.

Q. Why are there two official RTI portals in Kerala?

Ans. Kerala operates two official RTI portals – rtiportal.kerala.gov.in and rtionline.kerala.gov.in. Both are managed on the same Information Kerala Mission (IKM) platform and provide identical services. You can use either portal to file an RTI application or a First Appeal, make online payments, track the status of your application, and download replies.

Q. Can I file an RTI application in Malayalam?

Ans. Yes. Both official Kerala RTI portals support Unicode Malayalam so that you can type your application directly in Malayalam. English is also accepted. If your application exceeds the 3,000-character limit, you can upload the complete application as a PDF attachment.

Q. Why does the Kerala RTI portal ask users not to upload Aadhaar or PAN?

Ans. The portal clearly advises applicants not to upload Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or any other personal identity document. These documents are not required for filing an RTI application. Upload a BPL certificate only if you are claiming exemption from the RTI application fee.

Q. How do I file an RTI about my Gram Panchayat or Municipality?

Ans. Every Gram Panchayat, Municipality, Municipal Corporation, and other Local Self-Government body in Kerala is a separate public authority under the RTI Act. Send your RTI directly to the Public Information Officer (usually the Secretary) of the concerned local body. For contact details, visit the official Local Self Government portal at lsgkerala.gov.in.

Q. Can I file a Second Appeal online in Kerala?

Ans. Yes. If you are not satisfied with the First Appeal decision, or you do not receive any decision within the prescribed time, you can file a Second Appeal or Complaint online through the Kerala State Information Commission portal at rti.sic.kerala.gov.in. The portal also lets you track your case, view hearing notices, and download final orders.

Q. Does the Kerala High Court follow the same RTI portal?

Ans. No. The Kerala High Court has its own RTI mechanism under the Kerala High Court (Right to Information) Rules, 2006. RTI applications relating to the administrative records of the High Court should be filed through the procedure prescribed by the High Court. Certified copies of court judgments and judicial records are obtained through the court’s certified copy process, not through the Kerala state RTI portals.

Q. Should I check e-Rekha or e-District before filing an RTI for land records?

Ans. Yes. Before submitting an RTI, first check e-Rekha for survey maps and land measurement records, and e-District Kerala for revenue certificates and other government services. If the required information is already available online, filing an RTI may not be necessary. Use RTI when the record is unavailable, appears incorrect, or you need official documents that are not provided through these portals.