Madras High Court Upholds Transparency in Public Servants’ Records
In a landmark ruling, the Madras High Court has declared that the service register of public servants is not entirely exempt from disclosure under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Justice CV Karthikeyan emphasized the importance of public scrutiny, clarifying that while personal information may be protected, essential details regarding a public servant’s assets and liabilities must remain accessible.
The ruling arose from a petition filed by M Tamilselvan, who sought information concerning the service register of a Panchayat Secretary and allegations of disproportionate assets related to an Assistant Engineer. The Revenue Divisional Officer had previously denied this information, citing Section 8 of the RTI Act. However, the court found the refusal unjustified and underscored that public servants must operate within the realm of accountability.
Justice Karthikeyan highlighted that while certain sensitive data could remain confidential to protect a public servant’s career, key aspects such as the date of appointment, promotion records, and job responsibilities are vital for public interest and should be disclosed. "There cannot be an order denying every piece of information. Any denial must be justified with proper reasoning," the judge asserted.
The court directed that all materials in a service register should be reviewed by relevant authorities, and any withheld information must be accompanied by valid justifications. The case was remanded to the District Collector for a thorough re-evaluation, instructing that the appeal be settled within two months.
This ruling reinforces the pivotal role of transparency in governance, ensuring that public servants remain accountable for their actions while providing necessary protections for their personal careers. As India continues to grapple with issues of corruption and accountability, this decision by the Madras High Court serves as a significant step toward enhancing public trust in governmental institutions.