Open Records Laws › Nepal

Nepal

Right to Information Act

Right to Information Act, 2064 (2007)

RTI Rating: 112 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
15 days
Residency Required
Citizen

Information Officer must provide information immediately if possible; otherwise within 15 days from application date. No extensions permitted.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Must state reason for requesting information', 'method': 'written'}

Application submitted to Information Officer of relevant public body. Must state reason for request.

Required Elements

  • Reason for requesting the information

Fees

Fee Type Amount Notes
Search (hourly) NPR50.00
Copies (per page) NPR5.00

All applications require 10 rupee postage stamp. First 5 pages free, then Rs. 5 per page. Inspection exceeding 30 minutes costs Rs. 50/hour.

Exemptions

  • National Security, Sovereignty
    Information affecting national security, sovereignty, or international relations
  • Harmonious Relationship
    Information affecting harmonious relationships between castes/communities (problematically broad)

Lacks mandatory public interest override. Exemptions use inconsistent harm tests. Information classified as confidential may be withheld for up to 30 years maximum, reviewed every 10 years.

Appeal Process

1

1

2

2

3

3

Robust three-tier system with independent National Information Commission. 99% case resolution rate (1,054 of 1,068 cases in 2022-23).

Sources & References