What is Online CIC Appeal Filing?

Legal Light Consulting’s RTI lawyers provide expert guidance on filing CIC appeals online under the RTI Act, 2005. This detailed educational article breaks down the process step-by-step, ensuring citizens in Ghaziabad and across India can access public information seamlessly. Mastering online filing saves time and strengthens your case with proper documentation.

Filing a Central Information Commission (CIC) appeal online streamlines the second appeal process after exhausting First Appellate Authority (FAA) remedies. Access the official CIC portal integrated with rtionline.gov.in for central government matters, where you input your first appeal details for automatic retrieval. No fee applies, and submission generates a tracking number instantly

Step-by-Step Online Filing Guide

Follow these precise steps to file effectively.

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Navigate to the CIC’s official website or rtionline.gov.in, which hosts the integrated second appeal portal for central public authorities.​

Step 2: Prepare Your Appeal

Draft using the prescribed 11-point format from CIC rules:

• Your name and complete address.

• Details of the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) who received your original RTI application.

• Details of the CPIO who replied.

• Name and address of the First Appellate Authority.

• Particulars of your original RTI application.

• Details of orders against which you’re appealing.

• Brief facts leading to the appeal.

• Clear prayer or relief sought.

• Grounds supporting your appeal.

• Any other relevant information.

• Proper verification and signature.​

Step 3: Upload Documents

Attach scanned copies of all supporting files during submission on the portal.​

Step 4: Submit and Track

Review, submit, and receive an acknowledgment number. Use it to monitor status online via the portal.​

Essential Documents Required

Strong documentation proves your case history and compliance. Divide into mandatory and supporting categories.

Prepare files in PDF under size limits; ensure clear scans for CIC review. If issues arise, file offline by post to CIC, New Delhi, but online is faster via rtionline.gov.in. For complex cases, our lawyers draft appeals, handle uploads, and represent at hearings—notified 7 days prior via email or post.​

Legal Light Consulting assists RTI seekers in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, turning bureaucratic delays into disclosures. Contact for personalized support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Filing CIC Appeals Online

For Legal Practitioners & Clients – Legal Light Consulting RTI Practice Group

Q1: How do I file a CIC appeal online in India?

Filing a CIC appeal online involves a structured process through the Central Information Commission’s official portal. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Access the CIC’s official website: https://cic.gov.in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Appeal

Your appeal must follow the prescribed format and include:

• Your full name and complete address

• Details of the CPIO who received your original application

• Details of the CPIO who replied (if any)

• Name and address of the First Appellate Authority

• Particulars of your original RTI application

• Details of the order(s) you are appealing against

• Brief facts leading to the appeal

• Clear prayer or relief sought

• Grounds supporting your appeal

• Any other relevant information

• Verification and signature

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Attach all supporting documents, including:

• Copy of your original RTI application

• Reply from the CPIO (if any)

• Copy of your first appeal to the FAA

• FAA’s order (if available)

• Proof of submission and fee payment (if applicable)

Step 4: Submit and Track

After submitting, you will receive an acknowledgment number. Use this to track your appeal’s status on the portal.

Q2: What documents are required to file a CIC appeal?

Proper documentation is essential for a strong appeal. Required documents include:

Mandatory Documents:

1. Copy of the original RTI application with proof of submission

2. Reply received from the CPIO (if any)

3. Copy of the first appeal filed with the First Appellate Authority (FAA)

4. FAA’s order (if available)

5. Proof that 45 days have passed without an FAA order (if applicable)

Supporting Documents:

• All correspondence with the public authority

• Fee payment receipts (if applicable)

• Any documents supporting your grounds of appeal

• Identity proof of the appellant (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)

• Authorization letter (if filing through a representative or lawyer)

Q3: Is there a fee for filing a CIC appeal online?

No, there is no fee for filing a second appeal to the CIC. However, ensure that all applicable fees for the original RTI application and first appeal have been paid as required.

Q4: Can I file a CIC appeal if I haven’t received any reply from the FAA?

Yes. If 45 days have passed since you filed your first appeal and the FAA has not issued any order, you are eligible to file a CIC appeal. You must provide proof of the date of filing your first appeal.

Q5: What if I don’t have the FAA’s order?

If the FAA has not passed an order, you can still file an appeal. Clearly state in your appeal that:

• The FAA has not decided within the mandated 45-day period

• Attach proof of your first appeal submission (receipt, postal acknowledgment, email copy, etc.)

Q6: How should I draft the “Grounds of Appeal” section?

Your grounds should be:

• Clear and concise

• Legally sound – refer to RTI Act sections if applicable

• Fact-based – point out procedural lapses, incomplete information, wrongful denial, etc.

• Focused on relief sought – explain why the CIC should intervene

Q7: Can I file a CIC appeal offline?

Yes. You can submit a physical appeal to the CIC office by registered post or in person. However, online filing is recommended for faster processing and tracking.

Q8: How long does it take for the CIC to list an appeal for hearing?

There is no fixed timeline, but appeals are generally listed within 6–12 months of filing, depending on the Commission’s caseload.

Q9: Can Legal Light Consulting help with drafting and filing CIC appeals?

Absolutely. Our RTI Lawyer team provides:

• End-to-end drafting and filing support

• Document verification and compilation

• Representation before the CIC

• Legal strategy and consultation

• Training on RTI compliance and appeals

Q10: What happens after I submit my CIC appeal online?

You will receive an acknowledgment with a unique registration number. The CIC will:

1. Scrutinize your appeal for completeness

2. Issue notices to the concerned parties (CPIO, FAA, etc.)

3. Schedule a hearing

4. Notify you of the hearing date at least 7 days in advance

Q11: What if my appeal is incomplete or lacks documents?

The CIC may return your appeal for rectification. To avoid delays:

• Ensure all mandatory fields are filled

• Upload legible and complete documents

• Verify your contact details

Q12: Can I withdraw my CIC appeal after filing?

Yes, you can withdraw your appeal at any stage by submitting a written request to the CIC. Once withdrawn, you cannot file a fresh appeal on the same matter.

This FAQ is prepared by Legal Light Consulting for educational purposes. For personalized legal assistance, please contact our RTI legal team.