Seeking High-Quality Official Logos like FSSAI via RTI: A Legal Guide

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Adv Sudhir Rao
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Seeking High-Quality Official Logos like FSSAI via RTI: A Legal Guide

If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

Mr. Rohan Mehra runs a promising food startup, “Mehra Snacks & Co.,” based in Jabalpur. As he prepared to launch his new line of packaged snacks, he meticulously followed all the legal requirements. One crucial mandate under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations is the prominent display of the FSSAI logo and license number on the product packaging.

However, Mr. Mehra hit an unexpected roadblock. The FSSAI’s official website only provided a low-resolution, raster image (like a JPEG or PNG) of their logo. For high-quality printing on his packaging, he needed a vector format file (like an SVG or AI), which can be scaled to any size without losing clarity. Using the low-resolution image would result in a pixelated and unprofessional logo on his products.

He searched online and found several versions of the logo on various websites, but they all had minor inaccuracies—the colours were slightly off, the spacing was incorrect, or other design elements were altered. Using an unofficial and incorrect logo could lead to non-compliance and potential penalties. Frustrated, Mr. Mehra wondered if he could use the Right to Information (RTI) Act to formally request the official, high-quality vector file of the logo directly from the FSSAI.

Advice in such cases

Filing an RTI application is indeed a correct and effective way to resolve this issue. The Right to Information Act, 2005, is a powerful tool for citizens to access information held by public authorities. Here’s how it applies in this situation:

  • A vector logo file is considered “information” under the RTI Act, as the definition includes any material in any form, including records and data held in electronic format.
  • Since FSSAI is a public authority, it is obligated to provide this information upon request, unless it is exempt under specific sections of the Act. A public logo is highly unlikely to fall under any exemption.
  • The request ensures you receive the authentic, official version of the logo, eliminating any risk of non-compliance associated with using unofficial versions.
  • Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think

Applicable Sections of Law

This case primarily involves the Right to Information Act and FSSAI regulations.

  • The Right to Information Act, 2005: This is the primary law enabling the request.
    • Section 2(f): Defines “information” to include records, documents, and data material held in any electronic form. A vector logo file squarely fits this definition.
    • Section 2(j): Defines the “right to information,” which includes obtaining certified copies of documents or records and obtaining information in electronic formats.
    • Section 6: Outlines the simple procedure for making a request for information from a public authority.
    • Section 7: Specifies the timeline (30 days) for the Public Information Officer (PIO) to dispose of the request.
  • Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020: These regulations mandate the display of the FSSAI logo and license number on the label of food products, making the need for a high-quality logo a matter of legal compliance.

If you are the complainant

If you are in Mr. Mehra’s position and need to file the RTI, follow these steps:

  • Draft a very clear and specific RTI application. Clearly state that you require the “official FSSAI logo in a scalable vector graphics format (e.g., .svg, .ai, or .eps).” Mentioning the format is key to getting what you need.
  • File the application through the official online RTI portal (rtionline.gov.in) or by submitting a physical copy to the designated Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) of FSSAI.
  • Pay the statutory application fee, which is typically a nominal amount of Rs. 10.
  • If you do not receive a satisfactory response within 30 days, you have the right to file a first appeal with the First Appellate Authority within the same department.
  • If the first appeal is also unsuccessful, a second appeal can be filed with the Central Information Commission (CIC), which is the highest authority under the Act.
  • Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think
Seeking High-Quality Official Logos like FSSAI via RTI: A Legal Guide

If you are the victim

While not a “victim” in a criminal sense, your business is negatively impacted by the lack of access to necessary compliance materials. Here is what you should do:

  • Document all your attempts to find the official logo. Take screenshots of the official website where only a low-resolution file is available.
  • Keep a record of all communications, including the RTI application, any responses from the FSSAI, and subsequent appeals.
  • Understand that using an incorrect logo can have serious consequences, including penalties, product recalls, and damage to your brand’s reputation. This documentation proves you made a good-faith effort to comply.
  • Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think

How the police behave in such cases

The police have no role in this matter. This is a purely administrative issue governed by the Right to Information Act and FSSAI regulations. It is not a criminal case, and therefore, law enforcement agencies would not be involved. The entire process is handled between the applicant (you), the Public Information Officer of the concerned department (FSSAI), and the Information Commission in case of appeals.

FAQs people normally have

Seeking High-Quality Official Logos like FSSAI via RTI: A Legal Guide

What evidence is required?

You do not need to submit “evidence” to file an RTI application. The application itself is a request, not a complaint. Your right to information is statutory. However, to make your request strong and clear, you should be specific about what you need (the vector file) and why you need it (for compliance with FSSAI labelling regulations). The basis of your request is the legal mandate to use the logo.

How long will the investigation take?

There is no “investigation” in an RTI process. It is a time-bound procedure for providing information. According to the RTI Act, 2005, the Public Information Officer must provide the requested information or reject the request within 30 days of receiving the application. If the PIO fails to respond within this period, it is considered a “deemed refusal,” and you can proceed to file a first appeal.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India

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