Tamil Nadu Government Withdraws RTI Restriction After Backlash

The Tamil Nadu government has withdrawn a controversial move affecting public access to records concerning law and order, NDTV reported, following public criticism of the measure. The material covered by the move included inquiry reports into the opening of police fire, deaths in custody and allegations of police torture, among other subjects. According to the source material, the earlier order would have prevented members of the public from accessing such details.

The withdrawal therefore restores, or is intended to restore, access to information covered by those records. The reports relate to official inquiries into incidents involving the police and the use of state authority. Their availability is significant because the records concern deaths, injuries or alleged mistreatment connected with law-enforcement action.

The supplied material does not specify when the withdrawal took effect, identify the precise order that was revoked or detail the government’s explanation for the reversal. It also does not provide the text of the objections raised against the original move. The development follows the government’s earlier decision to restrict access to the inquiry material.

NDTV’s account indicates that the change was controversial and that public backlash preceded the withdrawal. The available information does not state whether any other categories of public records are affected by the decision. It establishes only that the restriction covering the cited law-and-order inquiry reports has been withdrawn.