RTI to Lokayukta for complaint status - what can be disclosed?

Kashvi here. I would keep the draft simple and evidence-led.

Do not make the RTI sound like a complaint. Write the grievance separately, then use RTI for documents. That way the authority cannot reject it as a request for action.

Also add a short line that you are not asking the PIO to create a new explanation, only to provide records already held by the public authority.

If the reply is vague, your first appeal should say: the PIO did not provide the specific records held by Lokayukta Office PIO, did not identify the custodian, and did not cite any exemption.

My preferred wording is: 'Please provide certified copies of records showing the present status, file movement, reasons recorded on file, and the officer currently responsible for the matter.'

-- Shrawaaan RTI Book: The RTI Playbook

Ask for certified copies where you may later use the record before an appellate authority, ombudsman, court, or department. Plain screenshots are useful, but certified copies carry more weight.

For the complaint-status angle, include dates. A date-wise file movement chart is often more useful than one final status line.

If the authority transfers the RTI, track the transfer date. A late or wrong transfer becomes a separate appeal ground.

Also see the RTI Book for drafting patterns: The RTI Playbook.

Keep the fee proof and delivery proof. Many strong appeals fail because the applicant cannot show the exact filing date.

The linked guide is useful here: RTI to Lokayukta for complaint status - what can be disclosed?. It has the cleaner wording for the first 5 questions.