Lakshadweep is a Union Territory of India where citizens can obtain information from public authorities under the Right to Information Act, 2005. RTI applications should be submitted to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) of the authority holding the requested records. Before filing an application, applicants should verify that they have selected the correct public authority.
The prescribed RTI application fee is Rs 10. Applicants holding a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate are exempt from paying the application fee in accordance with the applicable RTI Rules. Since Lakshadweep Administration does not provide a dedicated online RTI filing facility, applications may be submitted offline to the concerned public authority.
If you are dissatisfied with the reply or do not receive a response within the prescribed time, you may file the appropriate appeal under the RTI Act. For the latest RTI notifications, Public Information Officer (PIO) details and related resources, visit the official Lakshadweep Administration website. You can also read our RTI Online India Guide for a complete overview of the RTI process across India.
Special RTI Considerations in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is a Union Territory comprising multiple inhabited islands. While the procedure for seeking information under the Right to Information Act, 2005 remains the same across the Union Territory, applicants should ensure that their RTI application is submitted to the public authority that maintains the requested records.
Different government offices may maintain records relating to different islands or administrative units. Filing the application with the correct Public Information Officer (PIO) helps avoid unnecessary transfers and reduces delays in receiving information.
- Choose the correct public authority: Verify which department maintains the records before submitting your RTI application.
- Identify the correct office: If the information relates to a specific island or local administrative office, ensure that the application is addressed to the appropriate authority.
- Request existing records: Ask for copies of documents, orders, reports, file notings or other available records instead of seeking explanations or opinions.
If you are unsure which office holds the requested information, verify the details on the official Lakshadweep Administration website before filing your RTI application.
How to Apply for RTI Offline in Lakshadweep
Since Lakshadweep Administration does not provide a dedicated online RTI filing facility, RTI applications should be submitted offline to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or Central Public Information Officer (CPIO).
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Write your RTI application on plain paper. Mention your name, complete postal address and clearly describe the information you want to obtain.
Step 2: Mention that the application is being submitted under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Step 3: Attach the prescribed Rs 10 application fee or a valid BPL certificate, if applicable.
Step 4: Submit the application personally at the office of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO/CPIO) or send it by post to the concerned public authority.
Step 5: Keep the acknowledgement or postal receipt safely, as it may be required for tracking your application or filing an appeal later.
RTI Response Timeline
- 30 days: The Public Information Officer (PIO/CPIO) should normally provide the requested information or communicate the reasons for rejecting the request within 30 days of receiving the application.
- 48 hours: If the requested information concerns the life or liberty of a person, it should be provided within 48 hours.
- 35 days: Where an RTI application is submitted through an Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO), the response period may extend to 35 days.
If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or are dissatisfied with the decision, you may file a First Appeal under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
How to File the First Appeal
If you do not receive a response within the prescribed time or are dissatisfied with the decision of the Public Information Officer (PIO/CPIO), you may file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Submit the First Appeal to the concerned First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the public authority. Attach copies of your RTI application, the reply received (if any), and any other supporting documents.
Keep a copy of the appeal and the acknowledgement safely, as these documents may be required if you later file a Second Appeal before the Central Information Commission.
How to File a Second Appeal for Lakshadweep RTI
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority or do not receive its order within the prescribed time, you may file a Second Appeal before the Central Information Commission (CIC) under Section 19(3) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Online: If an online Second Appeal facility is available for your case, visit the official Central Information Commission (CIC) website and follow the instructions for filing a Second Appeal. Upload the required supporting documents and keep the acknowledgement for future reference.
Offline: You may also submit a written Second Appeal to the Central Information Commission along with copies of the RTI application, the reply of the Public Information Officer (if any), the First Appeal, the order of the First Appellate Authority (if available), and any other supporting documents relevant to your case.
Before filing the appeal, ensure that all required documents are complete and that the appeal is submitted within the applicable time limit prescribed under the RTI Act.
How to File an RTI Complaint in Lakshadweep
If you are unable to submit your RTI application, the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) refuses to accept your application, an unreasonable fee is demanded, or you face any other issue covered under Section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2005, you may file a complaint before the Central Information Commission (CIC).
Online: If an online complaint facility is available for your case, visit the official Central Information Commission (CIC) website and follow the instructions for submitting your complaint. Upload the relevant supporting documents and keep the acknowledgement for future reference.
Offline: You may also submit a written complaint to the Central Information Commission along with copies of the RTI application (if applicable), correspondence with the public authority, and any other supporting documents relevant to your complaint.
Before submitting the complaint, ensure that all supporting documents are complete and clearly explain the grounds on which the complaint is being filed.
Quick Reference
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Portal | lakshadweep.gov.in |
| RTI Application Mode | Offline |
| Application Fee | Rs 10 (BPL applicants are exempt from the application fee) |
| Photocopy Charges | Rs 2 per page |
| Normal Response Time | 30 days |
| Life or Liberty Cases | 48 hours |
| First Appeal | Concerned First Appellate Authority |
| Second Appeal | Central Information Commission (CIC) |
| Complaint | Central Information Commission (CIC) |
| RTI Law | Right to Information Act, 2005 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online RTI filing available for Lakshadweep Administration?
No. Lakshadweep Administration does not currently provide a dedicated online RTI filing facility. RTI applications should be submitted offline to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or Central Public Information Officer (CPIO).
Can I file an RTI application in Malayalam?
Yes. RTI applications may be submitted in Malayalam, English or any other official language permitted under the Right to Information Act, 2005, provided the concerned public authority can process the request.
Where should I file a Second Appeal for a Lakshadweep RTI application?
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority or do not receive its order within the prescribed time, you may file a Second Appeal before the Central Information Commission (CIC) in accordance with the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Can I file an RTI application from outside Lakshadweep?
Yes. An Indian citizen may submit an RTI application to the concerned public authority without travelling to Lakshadweep. Applications can be sent offline to the appropriate Public Information Officer (PIO/CPIO).
Is an Entry Permit required to file an RTI application?
No. Any entry permit requirement for visiting Lakshadweep does not affect your right to seek information under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
What is the RTI application fee in Lakshadweep?
The prescribed application fee is Rs 10. Applicants holding a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate are exempt from paying the application fee in accordance with the applicable RTI Rules.
Tabassum is a government document researcher and writer with over 5 years of experience exclusively dedicated to tracking and simplifying Central and State Government document processes across India. She has researched and published detailed guides on 100+ government documents and certificates – including Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Ration Card, Domicile Certificate, and Birth Certificate – covering all states and the Central Government, helping lakhs of Indian citizens successfully complete their paperwork in simple, easy-to-understand language.