Asking questions instead of asking for records. "Why was my application rejected?" may invite a brief explanation. Ask instead for "a copy of the order or noting by which application no. ___ was rejected, and the rule recorded as the basis for rejection." RTI concerns information held on record, so frame each point around an identifiable record. Sending the application to the wrong authority. Section 6(3) provides for transfer where information is held by another public authority, but a transfer costs time. Identify the office that holds the record. For example, land-mutation records are ordinarily held by the relevant revenue office, not a general district helpdesk. Skipping the fee or using a payment mode the rules do not allow. Where a fee is payable, check the authority's RTI rules for the accepted modes. For central authorities, an Indian Postal Order for Rs. 10 is a commonly used offline option. BPL applicants should attach proof of BPL status instead of the fee. Not keeping proof. The postal receipt and fee proof help establish when the applicable response period began. Keep a copy of the RTI application itself as well; these documents support a deemed-refusal first appeal if no reply arrives. Cramming many subjects into one application. Multi-subject applications may be split, transferred to several authorities, or answered in fragments. One clearly defined subject per application, with numbered points, is easier to process and appeal. Asking for opinions, reasons or future decisions. PIOs provide existing records; they are not required to answer hypothetical questions, create opinions, or predict what the department will do. Reasons that already exist on file, such as notings and orders, can be requested as copies. Missing the first-appeal window. If there is no reply within the applicable period, the remedy is a first appeal under Section 19(1), ordinarily within 30 days of the due date. Filing the same RTI again does not preserve the original appeal timeline. Expecting RTI to do what it cannot. RTI does not itself overturn a decision, sanction a benefit, or punish an official. Some information is also exempt under Section 8. RTI can place the recorded status, file movement, responsible office, and applicable rule in writing, which can support a grievance, appeal, or other lawful remedy. Using vague identifiers. "My pension case" may be difficult to trace. Include the name, PPO or application number, date, survey number, roll number, or other identifier that connects your request to the correct record. Giving up after one reply. An incomplete, evasive, or refused reply can be challenged through the appeal process. First appeals to central public authorities carry no fee; state rules may differ. Use the Act's appeal procedure rather than simply repeating the original request. Reviewed by Adv. Syed Musab Rahim Hashmi). Contributed by FileMyRTI