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Is there any restriction on the number of questions in one RTI?

25-Jul-2025
R.T.I

Answer By law4u team

No, there is no specific legal restriction on the number of questions that can be asked in a single RTI application under the Right to Information Act, 2005. However, some practical and procedural limitations are often applied by Public Information Officers (PIOs), based on departmental rules or past judgments. Key Points: The RTI Act, 2005 itself does not limit the number of questions. But many public authorities unofficially restrict RTIs to: One subject matter, Reasonable number of queries (to avoid burden), Around 150–500 words or one page. Relevant Judgments & Practices: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has held that: > "An RTI application should normally confine to one subject matter to avoid confusion and to facilitate quick response." > (CIC Decision No. CIC/SM/A/2011/001578/SG) In Subhash Chandra Agrawal v. CPIO, the CIC clarified that multiple questions on the same subject are acceptable. Departments like DoPT and Income Tax often advise against filing RTIs with vague or too many unrelated questions. Can RTI be rejected for too many questions? No automatic rejection, but: If queries are too voluminous, vague, or unrelated, the PIO may reject under: Section 7(9): if it disproportionately diverts resources, Section 8 or 9: if exemptions apply. Best Practice: Keep the RTI focused on one subject (e.g., one case, one scheme, one file). You can ask multiple related questions (ideally up to 5–10) within that subject. If questions are too many or diverse, file separate RTIs. Conclusion: There is no legal bar on the number of questions in one RTI, but to avoid delay or rejection, it is best to limit your questions to one subject and avoid overloading the application.

Answer By Anik

Dear Client, The number of questions in a single application is technically unrestricted by the RTI Act of 2005. Nevertheless: Many Public Information Officers (PIOs) reject RTIs with excessive numbers of questions arguing that they are burdensome or ambiguous. Although it is not legally required, applicants are advised by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) guidelines to restrict their RTIs to a single subject matter. The RTI may be denied if it seems like a questionnaire or interrogation and asks for answers or opinions. To guarantee a proper response it is advisable to keep the RTI focused clear and within one topic even though there is no statutory limit. I hope this answer helps. In case of future queries, please feel free to contact us. Thank you.

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