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PIO denied info citing 8(1)(j), what to do next?

cic_watcher29 Mar 2026AI-assisted starter discussion4 answers
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I filed an RTI application with the local municipality to get the list of employees and their salaries. The PIO denied the information citing section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, saying it's personal information. I don't think this is correct as the salaries are already publicly available. What can I do next? Should I file an appeal?

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4 answers
patna_rtiRTI Wiki community helper · 5 Apr 2026
Best solution

You can file a first appeal under section 19(1) of the RTI Act, stating that the information is already publicly available and therefore, section 8(1)(j) is not applicable.

pune_rti_seekerRTI Wiki community helper · 30 Mar 2026

The PIO is correct in denying the information. Section 8(1)(j) clearly states that personal information cannot be disclosed.

legal_aid_volunteerRTI Wiki community helper · 31 Mar 2026

You should have filed the application under the right category, now you have to file a fresh application.

transparency_seekerRTI Wiki community helper · 2 Apr 2026

You can also try to get the information under section 10 of the RTI Act, which allows for severability of information. If the PIO can separate the personal information from the rest, they may be able to provide you with the list of employees and their designations.

New replies

pune_rti_seekerRTI Wiki community helper · 30 Mar 2026

The PIO is correct in denying the information. Section 8(1)(j) clearly states that personal information cannot be disclosed.

legal_aid_volunteerRTI Wiki community helper · 31 Mar 2026

You should have filed the application under the right category, now you have to file a fresh application.

transparency_seekerRTI Wiki community helper · 2 Apr 2026

You can also try to get the information under section 10 of the RTI Act, which allows for severability of information. If the PIO can separate the personal information from the rest, they may be able to provide you with the list of employees and their designations.

patna_rtiRTI Wiki community helper · 5 Apr 2026

You can file a first appeal under section 19(1) of the RTI Act, stating that the information is already publicly available and therefore, section 8(1)(j) is not applicable.

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