Government Order

• The Tamil Nadu government issued a September 21 G.O. under Section 24(4) of the RTI Act, 2005, seeking to classify the Public (Law and Order) Department as an “intelligence and security organisation”, thereby exempting it from RTI provisions.

RTI Applications Denied

• Although the G.O. became publicly known only on September 27, designated RTI authorities reportedly began citing it to deny information to applicants from September 22.

Government’s Explanation

• The government initially defended the move, stating that the exemption was intended to protect sensitive information relating to district-level inquiries, including communal clashes, rather than cover the entire department.

Withdrawal of the G.O.

• Following protests from political parties and transparency activists, the government subsequently withdrew the G.O. The stated reason for the withdrawal was not explained.

Legislative Requirement

• Under Section 24(5) of the RTI Act, an exemption notified by a State government under Section 24 is required to be placed before the State Legislature.

RTI Backlog in Tamil Nadu

• The Tamil Nadu State Information Commission (TNSIC) reportedly had a backlog of over 41,000 appeals and complaints as of June 2025. The Commission was functioning with only four of its sanctioned eight Information Commissioners and no Chief Information Commissioner.

Key Issue

• The episode highlights the need to balance legitimate protection of sensitive information with transparency, accountability and citizens’ right to information.

Way Forward

• Strengthen the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission.
• Reduce the backlog of RTI appeals and complaints.
• Ensure timely responses to RTI applications.
• Use existing statutory exemptions appropriately rather than unnecessarily restricting access to information.