Filing a Right to Information request with a Tamil Nadu government department or the Greater Chennai Corporation costs ₹10. Copies cost ₹2 a page. These rates come from the Tamil Nadu RTI (Fees) Rules, 2005, as summarised by the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission. The officer must reply within 30 days, or within 48 hours if the information concerns someone’s life or liberty. You do not have to say why you want the information.
If you get no reply or a reply you think is wrong, you can file a first appeal within the same department. After that, you can go to a second appeal before the State Information Commission at Nandanam. The process is mostly paper-based, but it is simple once you know the order of steps.
Step 1: Find the right office
Every public authority has a Public Information Officer (PIO) who receives RTI requests. Send your request to the PIO of the office that actually holds the records.
- Greater Chennai Corporation: The GCC’s RTI page links to the names and designations of its PIOs and a directory of officers. It also has a list of zonal executive and assistant engineers. Ward-level matters such as road works or building plan approvals are usually handled at the zonal office, while citywide records are at Ripon Buildings.
- State departments: Address the PIO of the department or directorate concerned. For example, send land records questions to the taluk office and school matters to the relevant education office. If you send it to the wrong office, the Act requires that office to transfer it within five days.
- Metro Water, TANGEDCO, CMDA and other boards: These have their own PIOs. Look for the RTI section on each body’s website.
Step 2: Write the request
Under Section 6 of the RTI Act, 2005, you can apply in writing in English, Hindi or the official language of the area, which is Tamil. Electronic requests are also allowed. Keep the request short and specific:
- Address it to “The Public Information Officer” with the office name and address.
- Write “Application under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, 2005” as the subject.
- List each item of information as a numbered question. Ask for copies of specific documents, such as “certified copy of the work order for relaying of X Street, Ward 123, issued in 2026”.
- Give your name, postal address and phone number. No reasons or ID proof are required by the Act.
- Mention how you paid the fee, and sign and date it.
Send it by registered post or speed post, or hand it in and get an acknowledgement. Keep a copy of everything.
Step 3: Pay the fee
| Item | Fee (TN RTI Fees Rules, 2005) |
|---|---|
| Application | ₹10 |
| Copies (A4 or A3) | ₹2 per page |
| Larger paper, samples | Actual cost |
| Inspection of records | First hour free, then ₹5 per hour |
| Information on CD or floppy | ₹50 each |
According to the Commission’s fee summary, the ₹10 application fee can be paid by cash, postal money order, court fee stamp, demand draft or banker’s cheque. Many applicants simply affix a ₹10 court fee stamp. Fees can also be paid into the treasury under the head of account given in the summary, with the challan shown to the PIO. Applicants below the poverty line cannot be charged any fee under Section 7 of the Act, so attach proof of BPL status. If the office misses the 30-day deadline, it must supply the information free.
Different rules apply to the Madras High Court and the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, which have their own RTI fee rules.
Step 4: Appeals and complaints
- First appeal: If there is no reply in 30 days, or you are unhappy with it, appeal within 30 days to the First Appellate Authority. This is an officer senior to the PIO in the same office, and the PIO’s reply should name them.
- Second appeal: If the first appeal fails, appeal to the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission within 90 days of the first appeal decision, under Section 19.
- Complaint: Under Section 18, you can complain directly to the Commission about matters such as a refusal to accept your request, unreasonable fees or false information.
The Commission requires second appeals, complaints and non-compliance petitions to use its prescribed formats, in force since 1 December 2023. Downloadable versions are available in English and Tamil. Petitions not in the format are returned for resubmission. The Commission can fine a PIO ₹250 a day for delays, up to ₹25,000, after hearing the officer.
Contacting the Information Commission
The Tamil Nadu State Information Commission is at Block No. 19, Government Farm Village, Panepet, Nandanam, Chennai 600035. Phone 044-29515590, email sic[at]nic.in. Its list of commissioners shows five State Information Commissioners. Three of them took office in March 2026.
This guide explains the process. For a complex dispute, consider advice from a lawyer or an experienced RTI volunteer.
Quick answers
What is the RTI fee in Tamil Nadu?
₹10 for the application and ₹2 per page for copies. BPL applicants pay nothing.
How long does the department have to reply?
30 days, or 48 hours for matters of life or liberty.
Where do I file a second appeal in Tamil Nadu?
With the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission at Nandanam, within 90 days of the first appeal decision, using its prescribed format.
Information checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
Sources
- RTI fees summary (Tamil Nadu State Information Commission)
- Right to Information Act, 2005 (Tamil Nadu State Information Commission)
- Formats for second appeal and complaint (Tamil Nadu State Information Commission)
- Contact us (Tamil Nadu State Information Commission)
- State Information Commissioners (Tamil Nadu State Information Commission)
- Right to Information Act page (Greater Chennai Corporation)
