Can I submit an appeal for an RTI request if the letter was returned as “Addressee left without instructions”?

[Indiansudhir4081]

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Indiansudhir4081
PARTICIPANT
February 11, 2025 at 11:56 pm

Had submitted an RTI request day before yesterday, via registered port with acknowledgement due, before the SPIO of the Secretariat of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Govt. of West Bengal. Had addressed it to the SPIO listed on their website, who is the Assistant Secretary of the department.

Saw today on India Post’s website that the letter was returned as “Addressee left without specific instructions”.

There are other SPIOs listed on their website, but they will probably not be able to answer the query as my query pertains to the entire department rather than one single branch/directorate.

Should I just send it to the appellate authority with the India Post tracking page and request it to be redirected to the appropriate SPIO?

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[Prashantrider286]

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Prashantrider286
PARTICIPANT
February 18, 2025 at 6:25 am

If the RTI was returned, you can resend it to a different SPIO or [file a first appeal ](https://rtiwala.com/content/what-is-the-process-of-first-appeal/)citing the failed delivery. The department is responsible for redirecting the RTI internally if needed. If you want help with appeals or proper drafting, RTIwala offers expert assistance.

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[Indiansudhir4081]

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Indiansudhir4081
OP
February 18, 2025 at 3:54 pm

I re-sent it yesterday without mentioning the name of any official; just addressed it to “SPIO, Dept. of H&FW, GoWB”. It got delivered today. Whoever gets it, will transfer if necessary as per 6*(3)*, as you have mentioned. My guess is that they didn’t update their website.

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[Prashantrider286]

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Prashantrider286
PARTICIPANT
March 10, 2025 at 7:17 am

Great! Since your RTI has been successfully delivered, the department is now responsible for processing or transferring it under Section 6(3). Keep an eye on the response timelines, and if there is any delay beyond 30 days, you can file a first appeal. If you need help with the next steps, visit RTIwala.com.

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[Indiansudhir4081]

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Indiansudhir4081
OP
March 10, 2025 at 9:05 am

Got the reply Friday last week. Simple response — “We cannot provide the requested information.” No mention of reasons as required u/s 7(8). The SPIO was legally obligated to forward the request u/s 6(3) if they didn’t have the requisite information. Even that was not done. Didn’t even write a proper letter. Seemed like a lousy guy who just does his work for the sake of earning money — no standards, just the bare minimum.

Submitted an appeal u/s 19(1) today. The next step is obviously the State Information Commission, u/s 19(3).

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