UP RTI Second Appeal Online 2026: New Mandatory Filing Rule
Summary
From 17 June 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission requires second appeals and complaints to be filed online through its e-filing system, with offline submission discontinued. Learn the current online process, documents, status tracking and important rules.
If you filed an RTI application with a Uttar Pradesh government department and the information was not provided as expected, the next legal step may be an RTI Second Appeal. In 2026, there is an important procedural change for applicants in Uttar Pradesh: the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission has made online filing of second appeals and complaints mandatory from 17 June 2026, with offline presentation discontinued.
This guide explains the UP RTI Second Appeal Online 2026 process, including Section 19(3), the CATS portal, documents to keep ready, online filing, application registration, RTI second appeal status tracking, and the difference between a second appeal and an RTI complaint.
Important: This guide is for general information. UPDigital.in is an independent information platform and is not the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission. Always verify the current procedure on the official Commission portal before filing.
UP RTI Second Appeal Online 2026: What Changed?
The most important update for UP RTI Second Appeal 2026 is the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission's order concerning mandatory online filing.
The Commission's official website lists an order dated 15 June 2026 concerning mandatory online filing of second appeals and complaints and the discontinuation of offline presentation. The order is effective from 17 June 2026.
This means that applicants should not rely on older articles, videos or guides that instruct them to submit a second appeal through the earlier offline process.
For the current process, applicants should use the official Uttar Pradesh Information Commission CATS portal.
What Is an RTI Second Appeal?
An RTI Second Appeal is an appeal made to the appropriate Information Commission under Section 19(3) of the Right to Information Act in circumstances where the applicant has already gone through the earlier appeal stage and the information-related grievance remains unresolved.
The Uttar Pradesh Information Commission provides separate categories for:
- RTI Second Appeal under Section 19(3)
- RTI Complaint under Section 18
- Order Recall under Rule 12
- Other case-related services
The Commission's official form section separately identifies forms connected with Section 6(1), Section 19(1), Section 19(3), Section 18 and Rule 12.
Practical point: An RTI second appeal is not the same as submitting a fresh RTI application. Before starting the online filing process, keep your original RTI application and relevant first-appeal records available.
UP RTI Second Appeal Online Portal
The online filing and tracking system is provided through the official Uttar Pradesh Information Commission's Complaint and Appeal Tracking System (CATS).
Open the official Uttar Pradesh Information Commission CATS portal.
The CATS system provides citizen-facing facilities for online applications, document uploading, registration and case-status tracking.
Who Can File a UP RTI Second Appeal?
The exact legal circumstances depend on the facts of an individual RTI case. The Uttar Pradesh Information Commission identifies Section 19(3) as the second-appeal category.
Applicants should normally keep the earlier RTI records available, including the original RTI application and the first appeal, where applicable.
Do not assume that simply being dissatisfied with an answer automatically means that a second appeal is the correct legal route. If you are uncertain whether your matter should be filed as a second appeal or complaint, consult the Commission's current instructions or obtain appropriate legal/RTI advice.
Documents Required for UP RTI Second Appeal
The exact documents required can depend on the case and the filing category. Before beginning an RTI second appeal online, keep clear copies of relevant records ready.
Important documents to keep ready
- Original RTI application submitted under Section 6(1)
- First appeal submitted under Section 19(1), where applicable
- Reply received from the Public Information Officer, if any
- Order of the First Appellate Authority, if any
- Relevant correspondence
- Other supporting documents relevant to the appeal
The Commission's published return records show examples where missing Section 6(1) or Section 19(1) documents caused filing-related problems. Therefore, applicants should review the current online requirements carefully before submitting their appeal.
How to File UP RTI Second Appeal Online in 2026
Step 1: Open the Official UP Information Commission Website
Start from the official Uttar Pradesh Information Commission website and access the CATS system.
Do not use an unofficial website that claims to be the government RTI appeal portal.
Step 2: Access the Citizen Account
The CATS system provides citizen login and account-based facilities. The citizen dashboard includes options such as application services, profile, status tracking, feedback and help.
Step 3: Select Second Appeal
Choose the relevant Second Appeal under Section 19(3) option.
Check the category carefully before continuing because an RTI Complaint under Section 18 and a Second Appeal under Section 19(3) are separate proceedings.
Step 4: Enter Your RTI Details
Enter the information requested by the online form. Use the details exactly as they appear in your original RTI application and first appeal.
Before submitting, carefully check application numbers, dates, authority names and other identifying information.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload clear copies of the documents requested by the portal and those relevant to your case.
Make sure uploaded documents are readable. Avoid adding unrelated files simply to increase the number of attachments.
Step 6: Enter the Grounds of Appeal
Explain the issue clearly and factually. Connect your grounds to the original RTI request, the response or non-response and the first appeal process.
A concise, document-supported explanation is generally more useful than a long narrative containing unrelated allegations.
Step 7: Submit the Second Appeal
Review the complete application and uploaded documents before final submission.
After successful submission, the online system can generate an application registration number. Save this number carefully for future reference.
Step 8: Track Your RTI Second Appeal
Use the CATS Track Status facility to check the progress of your application or case.
The Commission's citizen documentation describes tracking using available identifiers such as:
- File Number
- Application Registration Number
- Diary Number
Keep these numbers safely after filing.
How to Check UP RTI Second Appeal Status Online
If you have already filed an online second appeal, open the official CATS portal and use the Track Status facility.
Select the applicable application type and enter the identifying number requested by the system.
The CATS system provides status-related facilities for proceedings such as Second Appeal, Complaint and Order Recall, along with other case-management options.
If your status does not immediately show a final decision, do not interpret that as rejection. Online case systems can show different stages of a proceeding.
UP RTI Second Appeal vs RTI Complaint
One of the most common mistakes is treating an RTI complaint and second appeal as identical.
Second Appeal – Section 19(3)
The Uttar Pradesh Information Commission identifies Section 19(3) as the second-appeal category.
Complaint – Section 18
The Commission separately provides a complaint category under Section 18.
The correct route depends on the circumstances of the RTI matter. Do not select a complaint merely because you are dissatisfied with the response.
The Commission's official material also explains circumstances in which a complaint may be dealt with as a second appeal. This is case-specific and should not be treated as a universal rule.
Can UP RTI Second Appeal Still Be Filed Offline?
According to the current order listed by the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission, mandatory online filing of second appeals and complaints applies from 17 June 2026, with offline presentation discontinued.
Therefore, an older guide saying that you can simply submit a physical second appeal should not be followed without checking its date and the Commission's current instructions.
What Happens After Online RTI Filing?
Submitting an online second appeal does not mean that the appeal is automatically allowed. The case goes through the Commission's case-management and hearing process.
The CATS documentation describes online registration, tracking and order-related functions.
The Commission also publishes case statistics and case-related information through its official website. These figures can change and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed processing time for an individual appeal.
What If Your RTI Second Appeal Is Returned?
If the Commission returns a filing, read the reason shown in the official record carefully.
Recent Commission return records contain examples involving missing documents and procedural deficiencies, including missing Section 6(1) or Section 19(1) records.
If your filing is returned:
- Read the stated reason carefully.
- Identify the missing or incorrect information.
- Prepare the required document or correction.
- Follow the Commission's current instructions for addressing the deficiency.
- Keep the relevant reference and registration details safely.
Do not create multiple duplicate filings without first understanding why the original filing was returned.
Important Mistakes to Avoid in UP RTI Second Appeal
1. Following an old offline procedure
The Commission's 2026 order changed the filing process. Check the current official instructions before submitting.
2. Filing a second appeal without the earlier RTI records
Keep the original RTI application and first appeal records available where applicable.
3. Confusing Section 18 and Section 19(3)
Complaint and second appeal are separate categories. Select the route applicable to your circumstances.
4. Uploading incomplete or unreadable documents
Make sure important supporting records can be read clearly after uploading.
5. Losing your registration details
Save the application registration number, file number and diary number whenever one is provided.
6. Using unofficial websites
Use the official Uttar Pradesh Information Commission domain for filing and tracking.
UP RTI Second Appeal: Practical Checklist
- Confirm that a second appeal is the appropriate route for your matter.
- Keep the original RTI application ready.
- Keep the first appeal ready where applicable.
- Collect relevant replies and orders.
- Scan documents clearly.
- Use the official CATS portal.
- Select Section 19(3) Second Appeal where applicable.
- Review every field before submission.
- Save the application registration number.
- Use Track Status for later updates.
Related UP RTI and Government Service Searches
Users searching for UP RTI Second Appeal Online 2026 may also be looking for related information such as:
- UP RTI online application
- UP RTI first appeal
- RTI Section 19(3) second appeal
- UP Information Commission
- UPIC CATS portal
- UP RTI appeal status check
- RTI complaint Section 18
- UP RTI application status
- RTI second appeal documents
- RTI second appeal online filing
- Uttar Pradesh Information Commission online appeal
- UP Information Commission case status
These related terms are included naturally to help users find the appropriate government-service information without creating separate pages for every variation of the same search query.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed for UP RTI Second Appeal in 2026?
The Uttar Pradesh Information Commission made online filing of second appeals and complaints mandatory from 17 June 2026 and discontinued offline presentation of these matters.
Where can I file a UP RTI Second Appeal online?
You should use the official Uttar Pradesh Information Commission CATS portal available through the Commission's official website.
Which section applies to an RTI Second Appeal?
The Uttar Pradesh Information Commission identifies the second appeal category under Section 19(3) of the Right to Information Act.
Can I check my UP RTI Second Appeal status online?
Yes. The CATS citizen system provides a Track Status facility and supports tracking through available identifiers such as file number, application registration number or diary number.
What documents should I keep ready for a second appeal?
Keep your original RTI application, first appeal where applicable, replies or orders and other relevant supporting documents ready. Follow the exact document requirements displayed by the current online filing system.
Can I still submit a UP RTI Second Appeal physically?
The Commission's current website lists an order making online filing mandatory and ending offline presentation effective from 17 June 2026. Verify the current instructions before taking any filing step.
Conclusion
The key point for anyone searching for UP RTI Second Appeal Online 2026 is the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission's mandatory online filing rule.
The Commission's order dated 15 June 2026 states that online filing of second appeals and complaints became mandatory from 17 June 2026, with offline presentation discontinued.
Applicants should therefore use the official CATS system, keep their original RTI application and first-appeal records ready, upload relevant supporting documents and save the registration details generated after filing.
The CATS system also provides online status-tracking facilities, making it easier to follow the case after submission.
Most importantly, do not rely on an outdated offline procedure. For a current RTI matter, check the latest instructions published by the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission before filing.
Important: UPDigital.in is an independent information platform and is not the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission. Government procedures can change, so verify the latest requirements on the official portal before submitting an appeal or complaint.
Official Sources
- Uttar Pradesh Information Commission – CATS Portal
- Uttar Pradesh Information Commission – Official Website
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Frequently asked questions
What changed for UP RTI second appeals in 2026?
The Uttar Pradesh Information Commission made online filing of second appeals and complaints mandatory from 17 June 2026 and discontinued offline presentation of these matters.
Where can I file a UP RTI second appeal online?
Use the official Uttar Pradesh Information Commission CATS portal available through upsic.up.gov.in.
Which RTI section applies to a second appeal?
The Uttar Pradesh Information Commission identifies the second appeal category under Section 19(3) of the RTI Act.
Can I still submit a second appeal physically at the UP Information Commission?
The Commission's current website lists an order making online filing mandatory and ending offline presentation effective 17 June 2026.
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