Tamil Nadu RTI Online: Apply Process, Fees, Appeals & Status

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 applies across Tamil Nadu and enables citizens to obtain information from State Government departments, public authorities, local bodies and other public institutions. The application fee and filing procedure are governed by the Tamil Nadu Right to Information (Fees) Rules, 2005. The prescribed application fee is Rs. 10. RTI applications may be submitted in Tamil or English.

Tamil Nadu provides an online RTI filing facility through rtionline.tn.gov.in for most State Government departments. The portal accepts online payment of the prescribed fee through the available digital payment options and allows applicants to submit, track and manage their RTI applications online. The application text is limited to 3,000 characters. Details of Public Information Officers (PIOs), First Appellate Authorities and proactive disclosures are available on the Personnel and Administrative Reforms (P&AR) Department’s RTI page at tn.gov.in/rti/.

If you are not satisfied with the reply of the Public Information Officer or your First Appeal, you may approach the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission (TNSIC). The Commission functions from Block No. 19, Government Farm Village, Panepet, Nandanam, Chennai – 600035. As per the Commission’s instructions, Second Appeals, Complaints and Non-Compliance Petitions should be submitted in the prescribed format available on the official website tnsic.gov.in.

If you want to understand the RTI process applicable across India, read our RTI Online India Guide.

Looking to submit a public grievance instead of seeking information? Read our Tamil Nadu CM Helpline guide to know how to file complaints, track grievance status, and contact the Chief Minister’s Special Cell.

Central vs Tamil Nadu State RTI: Choose the Correct Authority

Before filing an RTI application, identify whether the information is held by the Government of Tamil Nadu or a Central Government department. Filing before the correct public authority helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Use the Tamil Nadu RTI Portal (rtionline.tn.gov.in) for information from State Government departments and authorities such as:

• Revenue and Disaster Management Department – Patta, Chitta, Adangal, land records and mutation
• Tamil Nadu Police – FIRs, investigation status, action taken reports and police administration
• Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TNPDCL) / TANGEDCO – electricity billing, connections and related services
• Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD Board)
• Highways Department – state roads, bridges and public infrastructure
• Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)
• Greater Chennai Corporation and other Municipal Corporations
• Tamil Nadu Housing Board
• Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC)
• Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Unions and other local bodies
• Department of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment
• School Education Department and Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE)
• Health and Family Welfare Department and Government Hospitals

Use the Central RTI Portal (rtionline.gov.in) for information from Central Government organisations such as:

• Southern Railway and other Central Railway authorities
• Income Tax Department
• Regional Passport Offices
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
• UIDAI for Aadhaar-related information
• Central Government defence establishments and ordnance organisations
• IIT Madras, NIT Tiruchirappalli and other Central educational institutions
• Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited
• Madras High Court (which follows its own RTI mechanism)

Tamil Nadu RTI Fee and Payment Modes

Under the Tamil Nadu Right to Information (Fees) Rules, 2005, the following fees apply for seeking information under the RTI Act:

• RTI Application Fee: Rs. 10
• Photocopies (A4/A3): Rs. 2 per page
• Larger-size documents: Actual cost
• Samples or models: Actual cost
• Inspection of records: Free for the first hour, then Rs. 5 for every additional hour or part thereof
• Information on CD/Disk: Rs. 50 per CD/Disk, as prescribed under the Rules
• Priced publications: Printed price or the prescribed photocopying charges for extracts
• First Appeal: No fee
• Second Appeal: No fee

BPL Applicants: Applicants holding a valid BPL certificate are exempt from paying the Rs. 10 application fee. A self-attested copy of the BPL certificate should be attached to the application.

Offline Payment Modes

The application fee may be paid through any of the following accepted methods:

• Cash against an official receipt
• Postal Money Order (PMO)
• Court Fee Stamp of Rs. 10 affixed to the application
• Demand Draft (DD)
• Banker’s Cheque
• Treasury Challan

Prepare the payment instrument, wherever applicable, in favour of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or as instructed by the concerned public authority.

Online Payment

If you file your RTI application through the Tamil Nadu RTI Portal (rtionline.tn.gov.in), the application fee can be paid online using:

• Internet Banking
• ATM-cum-Debit Card

How to File RTI Online in Tamil Nadu

The Government of Tamil Nadu provides an online RTI filing facility through rtionline.tn.gov.in for most State Government departments and public authorities.

Step 1: Visit rtionline.tn.gov.in and click “Submit Request”.

Step 2: Read the instructions displayed on the portal and proceed to the online application form.

Step 3: Select the concerned Public Authority from the available list.

Step 4: Enter your personal details, including your name, complete postal address, mobile number and email address.

Step 5: If you belong to the BPL category, select the appropriate option and upload a copy of your valid BPL certificate. Other applicants must pay the prescribed application fee.

Step 6: Enter the information you want to obtain under the RTI Act. The application text is limited to 3,000 characters. You may attach supporting documents, if required, in the formats accepted by the portal.

Step 7: Pay the Rs. 10 application fee through the available online payment options such as Internet Banking or ATM-cum-Debit Card.

Step 8: Submit the application. A unique Registration Number will be generated. Save this number to track your application and for future correspondence.

Step 9: If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or are dissatisfied with the response, you can file a First Appeal online through the same portal using the “Submit First Appeal” option. No fee is charged for filing the First Appeal.

Can You File an RTI in Tamil?

Yes. Under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, you may submit your RTI application in Tamil or English. The Tamil Nadu State Information Commission also publishes the RTI Act and related guidelines in Tamil. Public Information Officers across the state are required to accept RTI applications submitted in Tamil and cannot insist on an English translation.

How to File RTI by Post in Tamil Nadu

If you prefer the offline method, you can submit your RTI application by post to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO).

Step 1: Write your RTI application on plain paper in Tamil or English.

Step 2: Address the application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department or public authority.

Step 3: Clearly mention the information you are seeking and keep your questions specific.

Step 4: Sign and date the application.

Step 5: Pay the prescribed Rs. 10 application fee using any accepted offline payment method, such as a Court Fee Stamp, Postal Money Order, Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque or Treasury Challan, wherever applicable.

Step 6: Keep a photocopy of the complete application and payment proof for your records.

Step 7: Send the application to the concerned PIO by Speed Post, Registered Post, or submit it personally at the office.

Filing RTI in Person

You may also submit your RTI application directly at the office of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO). Carry your completed application along with the prescribed application fee. After submission, collect an acknowledgement or payment receipt and keep it safely for future reference.

Response Timeline Under the RTI Act

• 30 days: The Public Information Officer (PIO) must provide the requested information or issue a written rejection within 30 days of receiving the RTI application.
• 48 hours: If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, it must be provided within 48 hours.
• Transfer within 5 days: If the requested information is held by another public authority, the application must be transferred under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act within five days and the applicant should be informed accordingly.
• Additional fee: Where further copying or reproduction charges are payable, the PIO will issue an intimation. The period between the fee intimation and payment is excluded while calculating the response time.

Madras High Court RTI: Important Differences

The Madras High Court follows the Madras High Court Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2007. These rules apply to the Principal Seat at Chennai, the Madurai Bench and the subordinate judiciary wherever applicable.

Some provisions differ from the standard Tamil Nadu Government RTI process:

• Application Fee: Rs. 10.
• Accepted Payment Modes: Cash, Court Fee Stamp, Treasury Challan, Demand Draft or Postal Order, as permitted under the High Court Rules.
• Administrative (Non-Judicial) Records: Copies are supplied as per the fee prescribed under the High Court RTI Rules, which differs from the standard Rs. 2 per page applicable to most State Government departments.
• Judicial Records: Certified copies of judgments, decrees, orders and other judicial records are not issued through the RTI Act. Such copies must be obtained through the certified copy procedure prescribed under the High Court Rules and the relevant Rules of Practice.
• Electronic Records: Information provided on CD or other electronic media is charged as prescribed under the High Court RTI Rules.

For RTI applications relating to the Madras High Court, contact the Public Information Officer of the Principal Seat at Chennai or the Madurai Bench, as applicable. The latest contact details and RTI notifications are available on the official Madras High Court website.

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretariat RTI

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretariat follows the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretariat Right to Information (Fees) Rules, 2006. The application fee is Rs. 10 and can be paid through the accepted payment methods prescribed under these Rules. The fee for photocopies is Rs. 2 per A4/A3 page. Applications relating to the Legislative Assembly Secretariat should be filed with its designated Public Information Officer and follow the Secretariat’s own RTI Rules.

First Appeal under Section 19(1)

If the Public Information Officer (PIO) does not provide the requested information within the prescribed time or you are dissatisfied with the reply received, you can file a First Appeal before the designated First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same public authority.

• Time limit to file: Within 30 days from the date of receiving the PIO’s reply or from the expiry of the 30-day response period.
• Appeal fee: No fee.
• Decision by FAA: Normally within 30 days, extendable up to 45 days with recorded reasons.

File First Appeal Online

If you submitted your RTI application through the Tamil Nadu RTI Portal, you can also file your First Appeal online.

Step 1: Visit rtionline.tn.gov.in and log in to your account.

Step 2: Select the “Submit First Appeal” option available on the portal.

Step 3: Enter your Registration Number of the original RTI application.

Step 4: Mention the reason for filing the appeal, such as non-receipt of information within 30 days or dissatisfaction with the PIO’s reply.

Step 5: Review the details and submit the appeal. Save the acknowledgement or reference number for future tracking.

File First Appeal Offline

You can also submit the First Appeal in writing to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the concerned department.

Step 1: Prepare a written appeal addressed to the designated First Appellate Authority.

Step 2: Clearly mention your original RTI application details, the reason for the appeal, and the relief you are seeking.

Step 3: Attach copies of your RTI application, proof of submission, and the PIO’s reply (if received).

Step 4: Submit the appeal in person or send it by Speed Post or Registered Post to the concerned First Appellate Authority.

You can find the contact details of the Public Information Officers (PIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs) for all Tamil Nadu Government departments on the official RTI portal at tn.gov.in/rti.

Second Appeal to the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission

If you are not satisfied with the First Appellate Authority’s decision or no order is passed within the prescribed period, you may file a Second Appeal before the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission (TNSIC) within 90 days. The Commission may condone a delay where sufficient reasons are provided.

From 1 December 2023, the Commission requires all Second Appeals, Complaints and Non-Compliance Petitions to be submitted only in the prescribed format available on the official TNSIC website. Applications submitted in any other format may be returned for correction.

Postal Address:
Tamil Nadu State Information Commission
Block No. 19, Government Farm Village
Panepet, Nandanam
Chennai – 600035

Documents to attach with the Second Appeal:

• Copy of the original RTI application.
• Proof of payment of the application fee, wherever applicable.
• Copy of the PIO’s reply, if received.
• Copy of the First Appeal submitted to the FAA.
• Copy of the FAA’s order, if received.
• A brief statement explaining why the Second Appeal is being filed.
• Your name, postal address, mobile number and email address.

There is no fee for filing a Second Appeal before the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission.

Tips for Filing RTI in Tamil Nadu

• Verify the correct PIO before filing: Use the official RTI page at tn.gov.in/rti/ to find the Public Information Officer (PIO) and First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the concerned department. Filing with the correct authority helps avoid delays.
• Choose the appropriate payment method: Tamil Nadu accepts multiple offline payment modes, including Court Fee Stamp, Postal Money Order (PMO), Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, Treasury Challan and Cash (where permitted). Use any mode accepted by the concerned public authority.
• Use the correct procedure for Madras High Court records: Certified copies of court judgments, orders and judicial records are not issued under the RTI Act. Apply through the certified copy procedure prescribed by the Madras High Court. RTI should generally be used for administrative and non-judicial records.
• Use the prescribed format for Second Appeals: The Tamil Nadu State Information Commission requires Second Appeals, Complaints and Non-Compliance Petitions to be submitted in the prescribed format available on the official TNSIC website.
• TNPSC information requests: RTIs relating to TNPSC examinations, recruitment, answer keys, marks and other records can be filed online through the Tamil Nadu RTI portal or submitted directly to the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission.
• Check proactive disclosures first: Many Tamil Nadu departments publish important information under Section 4 of the RTI Act. Checking the department website first may save both time and the RTI application fee.

Quick Reference

Particular	Details
Online RTI Portal	rtionline.tn.gov.in
RTI Information Portal	tn.gov.in/rti
Tamil Nadu State Information Commission	tnsic.gov.in
Case Status	Check Status
TNSIC Phone	044-29515590
TNSIC Email	sic@nic.in
TNSIC Address	Block No. 19, Government Farm Village, Panepet, Nandanam, Chennai – 600035
Second Appeal Format	Available on tnsic.gov.in
RTI Application Fee	Rs. 10
Copying Charges	Rs. 2 per A4/A3 page
Offline Payment Modes	Cash, Court Fee Stamp, PMO, Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, Treasury Challan
Online Payment Modes	Internet Banking, ATM-cum-Debit Card
Application Language	Tamil or English
Application Text Limit	3,000 characters (online portal)
Central Government RTI Portal	rtionline.gov.in
Tamil Nadu Government Portal	tn.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the RTI application fee in Tamil Nadu?

Ans. The application fee is Rs. 10 under the Tamil Nadu Right to Information (Fees) Rules, 2005. Applicants holding a valid BPL certificate are exempt from paying the application fee. Photocopies of documents are generally charged at Rs. 2 per A4 or A3 page. Accepted payment modes include Cash, Postal Money Order (PMO), Court Fee Stamp, Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque and Treasury Challan.

Q. Can I file an RTI application in Tamil?

Ans. Yes. Under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, you may submit your RTI application in Tamil or English. Public Information Officers across Tamil Nadu are required to accept applications submitted in either language and cannot insist on an English translation.

Q. How do I file a First Appeal online in Tamil Nadu?

Ans. If you submitted your RTI application through rtionline.tn.gov.in, log in to the same portal and select “Submit First Appeal”. Enter your Registration Number, provide the grounds for your appeal and submit it online. No fee is charged for filing a First Appeal.

Q. Is there a prescribed format for filing a Second Appeal before TNSIC?

Ans. Yes. The Tamil Nadu State Information Commission requires Second Appeals, Complaints and Non-Compliance Petitions to be submitted in the prescribed format available on its official website. Applications submitted in any other format may be returned for resubmission.

Q. Can I obtain a certified copy of a Madras High Court judgment through RTI?

Ans. No. Certified copies of judgments, orders and other judicial records are issued under the Madras High Court’s certified copy procedure and not through the RTI Act. RTI applications before the High Court are generally meant for administrative and non-judicial records.

Q. Where can I find the Public Information Officer (PIO) details for Tamil Nadu departments?

Ans. The official Tamil Nadu RTI portal at tn.gov.in/rti provides the list of Public Information Officers (PIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs) for State Government departments. Always verify the correct authority before submitting your RTI application.

Q. How can I check the status of my case before the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission?

Ans. You can check the status of your Second Appeal, Complaint or other proceedings through the online case status facility available on the official Tamil Nadu State Information Commission website by entering your case details.