After issuing an order exempting the Public (Law and Order) Department from the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, on the ground that it is an Intelligence and Security Organisation, the Vijay-led TVK government in Tamil Nadu has cancelled the move amid opposition criticism.
Public law and order deals with multiple subjects, including inquiry reports into opening of police fire, inquiry reports into custody death, police torture and others. In line with the earlier order, the public would not have had access to such details.
TVK Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar had pointed out that if the public is not happy with it, the matter maybe reconsidered. “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.
Because many are asking for RTI on community clash, “Only community clash related incident details will not be given under RTI. There are 20 sections under Law and Order, only few sections are exempted from RTI. The TVK faced fierce criticism as it notified the earlier order, issued under Section 24(4) of the RTI Act, 2005, in the Government Gazette.
“Government Order Ms.No 57 of Human Resources Management (R) department dated 21st September,2026, relating to exemption of the Public (Law and Order) Department under sub section (4) of section 24 of the RTI Act,2005, stands revoked,” the government said. This is the intention behind the move,” CTR Nirmal Kumar had said, explaining the rationale behind the move. “However, if general public expresses discomfort, we will take it to the Chief Minister for further action,” he had said. Intentionally one should not twist data for the benefit of one specific party,” TVK Minister Raj Mohan said.
