In a long-awaited decision, the Central Information Commission has said no fee other than what is prescribed in the Information Law can be demanded from applicants for providing information. The decision comes as a relief to RTI applicants as several government agencies are demanding lakhs of rupees as further fee from them whenever they seek voluminous information.<br/><br/>The Commission, however, said that relaxation can be given in some special cases where information sought by any RTI applicant has a pre-determined rate like books, maps, plans, documents, samples or models.<br/><br/>It also cited cases where postal or courier charge for mailing information is in excess of minimum slab prescribed by the Department of Posts.<br/><br/>The Commission advised the Department of Personnel and Training, the nodal agency for the implementation of the Act, to provide rules for public authorities for determining cost of providing information in such cases.