Public information requests and refusals: defining the record precisely

Direct answer and scope

A public-information request should identify an existing record or data precisely; information is generally issued immediately or no later than 10 days, while a refusal must be notified immediately and its appeal route explained in writing.

The full act, service date, agency file, authority and correct appeal route are decisive in an administrative matter. Challenging an act does not invariably suspend it, so interim protection needs a separate assessment.

• Citizens, foreign nationals and businesses affected by a public-authority act, refusal, sanction or inaction
• Responsible authority: The deciding administrative authority, any superior authority and the administrative court
• Jurisdiction: Georgia

Documents and evidence to prepare

Start the assessment with a complete and consistent file covering: submitted request and receipt, description of requested record, authority response or silence, written refusal reasons and appeal explanation, public-interest and partial-disclosure argument.

A foreign document may require apostille or legalisation and a compliant Georgian translation. Check the copy, date, issuer and its connection to the fact being proved.

• submitted request and receipt
• description of requested record
• authority response or silence
• written refusal reasons and appeal explanation
• public-interest and partial-disclosure argument

Procedure and working sequence

Obtain the full administrative file, separate factual from legal errors, record every deadline and assess whether the act should be suspended pending the final outcome.

For this issue, the practical sequence is: identify the record precisely; find the holder authority; calendar the immediate or 10-day route; analyse response and exemption; administrative or court challenge. Before each step, recheck the competent authority, filing form and current deadline.

• identify the record precisely
• find the holder authority
• calendar the immediate or 10-day route
• analyse response and exemption
• administrative or court challenge

Principal risks and common mistakes

The principal risks are: overbroad request; wrong authority; ignoring personal or confidential data; failing to record the date of silence or refusal; missing the appeal route. Assess each risk not only by legal outcome but also by time, cost, enforceability and its impact on any other current status.

Where documents conflict, explain and correct the inconsistency first; an unplanned additional filing may deepen the problem.

• overbroad request
• wrong authority
• ignoring personal or confidential data
• failing to record the date of silence or refusal
• missing the appeal route

Decision plan for the next step

Create one working file containing the chronology, objective, document register, official-source links, deadlines and responsible people. Public information requests and refusals should not be handled as a form-filling exercise; the final step must fit your facts and risk tolerance.

If the outcome affects liberty, lawful stay, a child, significant property or business continuity, obtain an individual legal assessment before acting.

• Confirm facts and current status
• Recheck the current official source
• Record the deadline and fallback route
• Obtain the written decision or registration evidence

Timing and refusal notice

The general rule is immediate release of public information; if retrieval or processing from another subdivision or institution is required, the period is no later than 10 days. If access is refused, the authority must notify the applicant immediately and explain rights and appeal procedure in writing within three days of the decision.

Preserve proof of filing, receipt, response, silence and service. The ten-day rule is not a universal answer for every issue; check the specific exception and delivery record for the case.