India's government revokes the RTI exemption for the Law and Order department, restoring public access to police records after pressure from coalition partners and rights groups.

India's central government revoked the Right to Information exemption for the Law and Order department on Thursday, restoring public access to police records.

Background

The exemption, introduced in 2022, barred RTI requests on matters involving police operations, crowd control tactics and internal investigations. Critics said the rule limited scrutiny of law‑enforcement conduct and contravened the spirit of the RTI Act.

Government response

Home Minister Rajesh Kumar said the decision reflects the administration's commitment to openness. "We have removed the exemption to ensure that legitimate inquiries into police activity can proceed without undue delay," he told reporters.

Activist reaction

Anjali Mehta, spokesperson for Transparency India, said the move marks a "vital step toward accountability" for security forces. She added that civil‑society groups will now be able to file requests concerning human‑rights complaints and protest‑related arrests.

Implications

With the exemption lifted, journalists, NGOs and ordinary citizens can submit RTI applications on police actions, use of force, and disciplinary proceedings. The Law and Order department has pledged to process new requests within the 30‑day timeframe prescribed by the RTI Act.

Next steps

Legal experts note that the revocation may be challenged in court by officials who argue that certain security‑related information should remain confidential. The ministry said it will review any court rulings and adjust its procedures accordingly.

The policy shift arrives amid a broader push for governmental transparency in India, where recent protests have heightened public demand for access to official records.