The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, empowers every Indian citizen to request information from public authorities. The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) is also covered under the RTI Act. People who are affected by the decisions or actions of the Armed Forces Tribunal can file an RTI to obtain case-related information. This guide explains how to file an RTI related to AFT cases in simple steps.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Armed Forces Tribunal
- Establishment Year: 2007 under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act
- Purpose: To provide a speedy and fair hearing to personnel of the Army, Navy, and Air Force
- Jurisdiction: Service matters and court-martial appeals of armed forces personnel
Details One Can Seek Through RTI
- Case Status: Information about the current stage of a pending or disposed case
- Copy of Orders: Certified copies of interim or final judgments
- Hearing Dates: Dates on which hearings were or will be held
- Case Filing Details: Date of filing, parties involved, case number
- Adjournment Records: Reasons and details of adjournments
- Certified Copies: Copies of affidavits, counter-affidavits, and petitions
- Delays in Disposal: Reasons for delay, if any, in deciding a case
- Other Records: Notes or comments made during hearings, if not confidential
Authorities Involved in AFT RTI Process
| Authority | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) | Receives and processes RTI applications |
| First Appellate Authority | Handles appeals against the reply of CPIO |
| Armed Forces Tribunal Registrar | Maintains records and official documents |
| Ministry of Defence | Nodal ministry for AFT and policy-related information |
Steps to File RTI Related to Armed Forces Tribunal Cases
- Step 1: Draft the Application
- Format should be simple and to the point
- Mention the RTI Act, 2005, clearly in the application
- Include name, address, contact details, and date
- Specify the information required in a list form
- Step 2: Address the Application Correctly
- The application must be addressed to the CPIO of the respective AFT Bench
- If unsure, address it to the Registrar of the concerned bench
- Step 3: Pay the RTI Fee
- The fee is ₹10 for a regular RTI application
- Payment methods include:
- Indian Postal Order (IPO)
- Demand Draft (DD)
- Online payment via RTI Online portal (if available)
- Step 4: Submit the RTI
- Send by speed post or registered post
- Mention “RTI Application” clearly on the envelope
- Keep a copy of the application for reference
- Step 5: Wait for the Response
- The time limit is 30 days from the date of receipt by the CPIO
- If no reply is received or an unsatisfactory reply is given, file a first appeal
Sample Format for RTI Application
| Section | Details to Include |
|---|---|
| To | The Central Public Information Officer, AFT Bench (Location) |
| From | Name, Address, Contact Number, Email ID |
| Subject | Request for Information under RTI Act, 2005 |
| Information Sought | – Certified copy of the order in Case No. AFT/123/2024 – Hearing dates and the next scheduled date – Reason for adjournment on 10 Jan 2025 |
| RTI Fee Details | Rs 10 via IPO/DD No. ******, dated ****** |
| Date | Mention the date of application |
| Signature | Sign below the application |
Online Method of Filing RTI for Armed Forces Tribunal
- RTI Online Website: https://rtionline.gov.in/
- User Registration: Create an account to access services
- Form Submission: Fill the required fields such as ministry (Ministry of Defence) and subject (AFT cases)
- Document Upload: Attach supporting files if needed
- Payment: Use internet banking, credit/debit card, or UPI
- Tracking: Use the unique registration number to track status
Points to Remember
- Language of Application: English or Hindi is preferred
- Clarity: Questions should be clear, direct, and not hypothetical
- Scope: Avoid asking for explanations or legal advice
- Time Limit: 30 days for reply, 48 hours in life and liberty matters
- Appeals:
- First appeal within 30 days of receiving an unsatisfactory reply
- Second appeal can be filed with the Central Information Commission (CIC)
List of AFT Benches in India
| Bench Location | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Principal Bench, Delhi | All-India jurisdiction in certain matters |
| Chandigarh Bench | Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh |
| Lucknow Bench | Uttar Pradesh |
| Kolkata Bench | West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar |
| Mumbai Bench | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa |
| Chennai Bench | Tamil Nadu, Kerala |
| Guwahati Bench | North Eastern states |
| Jaipur Bench | Rajasthan |
| Jabalpur Bench | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh |
Documents to Attach with RTI Application
- Proof of Identity: Aadhar card, PAN card, voter ID, etc.
- Case Details: If available, include case number and parties involved
- RTI Fee Receipt: Attach a copy of IPO/DD or online payment confirmation
- Cover Letter: Optional but recommended for clarity
Common Reasons for RTI Rejection in AFT Cases
| Reason | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Vague or confusing questions | Ask clear and specific questions |
| Asking for personal opinions | Focus only on facts and documents |
| Asking for third-party information | Avoid seeking data related to other individuals |
| Improper payment | Ensure correct amount and payment method |
| Wrong authority addressed | Double-check the correct CPIO for AFT |
First Appeal Process
- Time Limit: 30 days from the date of RTI reply or 60 days from submission if no reply
- Appeal Format:
- Include a copy of the original RTI
- Mention reasons for dissatisfaction
- Attach supporting documents
- Send to: First Appellate Authority of the same AFT Bench
End Notes
Filing an RTI related to Armed Forces Tribunal cases is a structured process. A clear, well-formatted application with proper payment and supporting documents ensures a faster response. Citizens have the right to seek transparency, and the RTI Act provides them with the proper channel to receive case-related information from the Armed Forces Tribunal efficiently.
