Brief
Activists cite massive RTI case backlog and transparency gaps in Tamil Nadu
The Right to Information Act turns 21 as activists highlight long‑standing delays and opaque practices in the state commission.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On October 12, 2026, marking the 21st anniversary of India’s Right to Information (RTI) Act, activists in Tamil Nadu raised concerns about extensive case pendency and a perceived lack of transparency at the State Information Commission.
What happened
RTI trainer A Ramakrishnan told the New Indian Express that case lists are not regularly published, orders can be delayed by months and written orders are sometimes omitted. Advocate‑activist C Anandarajan said roughly 45,000 appeals have been pending for more than three years. Another activist, N G Mohan, noted inconsistencies between video‑conference hearing outcomes and final written orders.
What the reports add
Ramakrishnan alleged attempts to weaken the law because it exposes corruption. Dayanand Krishnan highlighted RTI‑driven interventions that led to thermal cameras on the Tamil Nadu‑Kerala railway border and prompted the Madras High Court to address E‑coli contamination in Chitlapakkam’s drinking water. He also cited RTI data that raised questions about delays in the Tindivanam‑Tiruvannamalai and Chennai‑Cuddalore railway projects.
What was said
Ramakrishnan said, “Ironically, the commission itself lacks transparency…orders are delayed by months, and written orders are not always provided.” Anandarajan urged the governor to scrutinise commissioner appointments, noting that most members are retired IAS, IPS officers, prosecutors or judges, unlike some states that include social activists.
How it came about
Earlier coverage by Felo News linked the RTI Act’s impact to other state initiatives, such as the AI‑driven SPEED planning system (article) and recent infrastructure launches (article), underscoring the broader governance context in Tamil Nadu.
Key facts
- Around 45,000 RTI appeals have been pending for over three years in Tamil Nadu. (newindianexpress.com)
- Activists say the State Information Commission does not regularly publish case lists or written orders. (newindianexpress.com)
- RTI data helped trigger thermal‑camera installations on the Tamil Nadu‑Kerala railway border. (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “RTI Act @ 21; activists flag huge pendency, lack of transparency in Tamil Nadu”
