How to File a CIC Second Appeal Online in India

For RTI Lawyers operating under Legal Light Consulting, assisting applicants in filing a CIC (Central Information Commission) Second Appeal online is a crucial legal service. A well-drafted and properly documented appeal not only increases the chances of disclosure but also helps trigger compliance and penalty provisions under the RTI Act, 2005.

— A Complete Guide for RTI Lawyers (Legal Light Consulting)

For RTI Lawyers operating under Legal Light Consulting, assisting applicants in filing a CIC (Central Information Commission) Second Appeal online is a crucial legal service. A well-drafted and properly documented appeal not only increases the chances of disclosure but also helps trigger compliance and penalty provisions under the RTI Act, 2005.

The CIC Second Appeal under Section 19(3) is the final statutory remedy available to an applicant when the First Appeal fails, or the First Appellate Authority (FAA) does not issue an order within 45 days. Filing it online has made the process faster, traceable, and more accessible for applicants across India and abroad.

Step-by-Step Process to File a CIC Appeal Online

Step 1 — Visit the Official CIC Portal

Go to the Central Information Commission’s official website and open the online appeal section. The lawyer should ensure the applicant is using the correct central portal, as state appeals are not filed here.

Step 2 — Prepare the Appeal in the Prescribed Format

A valid CIC Second Appeal must contain the following details, which lawyers must draft clearly and accurately:

• Name and full postal address of the appellant

• Details of the CPIO who originally received the RTI Application

• Details of the CPIO who provided the reply (if any)

• Name and address of the First Appellate Authority (FAA)

• Particulars of the original RTI Application

  • RTI reference number, date of filing, subject matter, and submission mode

• Details of the FAA’s order being challenged

  • Order number, date, and outcome (if available)

• Brief and chronological facts leading to the appeal

  • This must narrate:

    • When RTI was filed

    • When reply was received or not received

    • When First Appeal was filed

    • Whether FAA passed order or remained silent for 45 days

• Prayer / Relief sought

  • Example:

    • Direct the CPIO to provide complete information

    • Allow inspection of records

    • Impose penalty under Section 20 for deliberate denial or delay

• Grounds supporting the appeal

  • Lawyers commonly draft grounds like:

    • Non-response

    • Unlawful denial

    • Misuse of Section 8 exemptions

    • No speaking or reasoned order

    • Incomplete or misleading reply

• Any other relevant facts or context

• Verification and signature of the appellant

  • ⚠ Lawyers must ensure the verification is signed by the appellant, even when the case is argued by a lawyer.

A properly structured appeal ensures the Commission can understand the procedural history and legal violations clearly.

Step 3 — Upload Mandatory and Supporting Documents

Lawyers must attach a complete set of documents in the portal to avoid defects or dismissal. These include:

Mandatory Documents

• Copy of original RTI Application along with proof of submission

• CPIO reply, if received

• Copy of First Appeal filed before the FAA

• FAA’s order, if issued

• Proof that 45 days have elapsed without an FAA decision, if no order was passed

Supporting Documents

• Any correspondence with the Public Authority

• Fee payment receipts (if paid)

• Documents substantiating the grounds of appeal

• Identity proof of the appellant

• Authorization letter, if the lawyer is filing or appearing as representative

Uploading these documents strengthens the case and ensures the appeal is treated as complete and valid.

Step 4 — Submit and Track the Appeal

After final submission, the portal generates an acknowledgment/appeal registration number. Lawyers must advise applicants to save this number, which can be used to:

• Track case status

• File written submissions

• Check hearing schedules

• Submit compliance or penalty requests later

The tracking mechanism brings transparency even into the appeal process itself.

Documents Required for a CIC Second Appeal — Lawyer’s Checklist

Mandatory Set

✔ Original RTI Application copy
✔ Proof of RTI submission (postal receipt / online filing proof / Dy. No. etc.)
✔ CPIO reply copy (if any)
✔ First Appeal copy filed to FAA
✔ FAA order copy or 45-day lapse proof

Supporting Set

✔ Correspondence trail
✔ Fee receipts
✔ Grounds-supporting documents
✔ Identity proof of appellant
✔ Authorization letter (if lawyer appears)

A complete documentation set avoids filing defects and increases the strength of legal arguments.

Why Proper Documentation Matters

The Commission relies on records to determine:

• Whether remedies were exhausted

• Whether deadlines were violated

• Whether denial was lawful

• Whether penalties should be initiated

• Whether record inspection must be allowed

• Whether information should be provided free of cost

A well-documented appeal helps CIC understand the entire history of the information request, making the lawyer’s job more effective during hearings and compliance enforcement.

Role of RTI Lawyers in Legal Light Consulting

1. Drafting Precision

Lawyers convert public grievances into legally structured queries and appeal narratives that stand firm against procedural scrutiny.

2. Procedural Compliance

They ensure:

• Timelines are respected (30 days for reply, 45 days for FAA order)

• Correct authorities are addressed

• Verification norms are met

• Document sets are complete

3. Strategic Framing

They raise strong grounds like:

• Administrative silence

• Improper reliance on irrelevant judgments

• Mechanical denial without legal basis

• Public interest override arguments

4. Representation

They may represent applicants through:

• Personal appearance

• Written submissions

• Video conferencing (if available)

• Authorized legal representation

Conclusion

Filing a CIC Second Appeal online is a structured legal process that demands:

• Correct format

• Chronological statement of facts

• Clear prayer and grounds

• Mandatory document uploads

• Appellant verification

• Proper tracking and follow-up

For RTI Lawyers under Legal Light Consulting, it is not just a filing—it is a legal intervention to enforce transparency, secure public records, and activate accountability mechanisms.

A strong appeal backed by documentation allows the Commission to fully understand the applicant’s case and issue enforceable directions.