Satheesan govt put vigilance file behind closed doors
RTI in Keralam: Why are vigilance files being shielded from public scrutiny?
The Kerala government has exempted key vigilance sections from the RTI Act, raising questions on transparency. What is being hidden from the public?
The VD Satheesan government, which came to power in Kerala promising a clean and transparent administration, has taken the T1 and T2 sections of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau out of the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Issued through a notification on October 22, the decision raises serious questions about whether transparency applies when files concern those in power. The T1 and T2 sections handle sensitive vigilance investigations, confidential reports, intelligence inputs, and complaints involving senior officials and elected representatives. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has defended the decision on the grounds that these sections require confidentiality to function effectively.
While confidentiality during an ongoing investigation is standard, keeping information beyond public scrutiny after an investigation has concluded presents a significant issue. This blanket restriction warrants closer examination regarding the necessity of keeping such files secret.
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