India
Tamil Nadu withdraws RTI law department exemption
The Hindu··27 Sept
Tamil Nadu on September 27 withdrew a September 21 order exempting the Public (Law and Order) Department from the RTI Act. The order had used Section 24(4) to class the department as an intelligence and security organisation. Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar said the G.O. was withdrawn after criticism. The department handles custodial deaths, police firing inquiries and communal clash records.
Prism
What It Means For You
- RTI applicants regain access to records the department holds on police conduct and related inquiries.
- Files on custodial deaths, police firing and communal clashes stay available under the Act.
- The September 21 gazette notification no longer shields the department as an intelligence organisation.
What's Happening
- The government revoked G.O. Ms.No.57 of the Human Resources Management (R) Department dated September 21, 2026.
- The original order cited Section 24(4) of the RTI Act, 2005.
- Congress and VCK leaders among the ruling alliance had sought the exemption's withdrawal.
Why the order was revoked
- The department also handles COFEPOSA and NSA detention matters and NHRC references.
- AMMK founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran and activist groups opposed the exemption on Sunday.
- Livemint published the revocation text stating the September 21 order stands revoked.
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