Always respond to the appeal within the specified time

  If you think you will need more than 30 days, record the reason for this and also keep the petitioner informed. In any case, send the reply within 45 days.

  Do not forward the appeal to the PIO asking him to deal with it or to give a reply. This will amount to abdication of resposibility vested in you by a law. You have to pass a speaking order after careful scrutiny of the petition, reply, if any, by the PIO and the contents of the appeal