Many RTI applicants wonder whether they can file one RTI application containing multiple questions on different subjects. Public Information Officers (PIOs) often reject such applications that the queries are “too many,” “unrelated,” or “mixed.”
But what does the law actually say?
This article explains your rights under the RTI Act, what kind of questions are acceptable in a single application, and includes a real CIC case where the Commission clarified the limits.
Are Multiple Queries Allowed in One RTI Application?
Yes.
Under the RTI Act, there is no restriction on the number of questions you can ask in a single application.
A PIO cannot reject an application simply because:
- It contains multiple questions
- It covers more than one subject
- It seeks several clarifications on related issues
As long as your requests clearly seek “information” under Section 2(f), you can ask multiple questions.
When Can Multiple Queries Become a Problem?
The RTI Act requires that:
- The query must be specific,
- The information must exist in records, and
- The query should be clear enough for the PIO to understand.
Your application may be partly rejected if:
- Some queries are vague or lack sufficient details
- Some points are not related to any identifiable record
- You ask questions requiring interpretation, explanation, or opinion, rather than seeking records
- The PIO cannot identify the subject matter due to unclear wording
In such cases, the PIO is required to:
- Provide the information that is actionable
- Reject only those parts that do not qualify as information under the RTI Act
Real CIC Case Example: Multiple Queries on Different Subjects
To understand this better, let’s look at a case involving Indian Rare Earths Ltd.
Background
The applicant filed one RTI application containing:
- A query about cars hired in 2011 for highly placed officials.
- Questions about two different sets of tax invoices submitted to the RTO vs. those given under RTI.
- A question about payment for choice numbers (vehicle registration).
The PIO refused to provide any information, claiming the application contained “multiple queries on a variety of subjects.”
CIC’s Observations
The Central Information Commission held:
- A PIO cannot refuse to act on an RTI application just because it contains multiple questions.
- However, only queries that clearly seek identifiable information need to be answered.
- In this case, the only clear and valid query was regarding hired vehicles for officials in 2011.
- The other queries were unclear, vague, and lacked sufficient details to identify any existing records.
The Commission added that only after the appellant later explained his intentions did it become clear what he was referring to—meaning the original RTI was too ambiguous.
CIC’s Final Decision
The PIO was directed to provide:
- Details of vehicles hired
- Names and designations of officials who used them
- Dates of use
- Cost incurred for hiring these vehicles
What This Means for RTI Applicants
✔ You can file a single RTI application with multiple questions.
✔ The questions should be specific and clearly linked to identifiable records.
✔ The PIO must answer all valid, actionable queries.
✔ Only vague or unclear questions can be denied—not the entire application.
✔ You save time and money related queries into one RTI.
How to Properly Frame Multiple Queries in One RTI
To avoid rejection, make sure your application:
- Uses serial numbers
- Mentions time periods clearly
- Refers to specific documents or events
- Avoids asking for explanations, clarifications, or justifications
- States the department/section holding the information (if known)
A good RTI is:
- Clear
- Specific
- Document-based
- Not opinion-based
Conclusion
You are legally allowed to include multiple queries in a single RTI application.
However, clarity matters. The more specific your queries, the higher the chances of receiving complete information without objections.
The Indian Rare Earths Ltd case confirms:
- Multiple queries are not a valid reason for rejection
- Only vague or non-specific questions can be ignored
- The PIO must respond to actionable information requests
