Full Breakdown
Tamil Nadu Revokes RTI Exemption for Public Law & Order Department
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Revocation of the Exemption
On September 21, 2026, Tamil Nadu issued GO No. 57, classifying the Public (Law & Order) Department as an “Intelligence and Security Organisation” under Section 24(4) of the RTI Act, 2005, which would have placed it outside the RTI framework. Hours after the Gazette notification, a fresh order revoked GO 57, restoring the department to the RTI ambit.
Background & Context
The RTI Act allows citizens to request information from public authorities. Section 24(4) lets states exempt organisations deemed “intelligence or security” in nature. Tamil Nadu’s Public (Law & Order) Department handles policing and public-order matters, including inquiries into police conduct and custodial deaths.
Key Figures
- C Joseph Vijay – Chief Minister, TVK government.
- CTR Nirmal Kumar – TVK Minister for Human Resources Management (R).
- Raj Mohan – TVK Minister of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
- Su Venkatesan – CPI(M) MP.
- Karti Chidambaram – Congress MP.
- Thol Thirumavalavan – VCK President and MP.
Timeline
- September 21, 2026 – GO 57 issued, exempting the department.
- Later the same day – Opposition parties and civil-society groups criticized the move.
- Same day – Fresh order revoked GO 57, restoring RTI applicability.
Data & Statistics
- The department has roughly 20 sections; the exemption would have applied only to those handling community-clash data.
- Covered records would have included police firing, custodial deaths, alleged torture, communal and caste clashes, and politically sensitive investigations.
Official Statements & Responses
- Raj Mohan said the exemption would not impede freedom of expression and that he would continue to provide information to the media.
Criticism & Opposition
- Su Venkatesan (CPI(M)) called the move an “overt attempt” to create a police state.
- Karti Chidambaram (Congress) warned that shielding the department set a “bad precedent.”
- Arappor Iyakkam, an anti-corruption movement, described the classification “absurd” and “condemnable.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Activists and senior police officials said the exemption would have limited journalists, citizens and NGOs from obtaining information on police conduct and human-rights concerns. A retired Director General of Police stressed that transparency is essential for anti-corruption oversight.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree GO 57 was issued and then revoked, but they differ on the government’s exact rationale. Some cite “community clash” data as the focus; others note the notification lacked a detailed security justification. No further official explanation has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The freedom of expression will not get affected. As a Minister of DIPR, I myself will give necessary information to you (media). We also have to understand the Lakshman Rekha in freedom of expression. Intentionally one should not twist data for the benefit of one specific party,” — Raj Mohan
What’s Next
The revocation restores the Public (Law & Order) Department to the RTI framework, allowing future requests for information on policing and public-order matters. No further legislative or administrative actions have been announced.