Kochi, August 11
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday temporarily halted the disclosure of records concerning a Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment process for a senior post in the State Planning Board.
Justice Murali Purushothaman stayed an order issued by the State Information Commission that had directed the KPSC to provide details of marks secured by candidates in the written examination and interview, besides experience certificates submitted by the top two rank holders.
The interim order came on a petition filed by the KPSC, its Public Information Officer (PIO) and Appellate Authority challenging the Information Commission’s directive.
The case originated from a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Shyam Krishnan K, who secured third rank in the selection process for the post of Chief in the Industry and Infrastructure Division of the Planning Board.
Through his RTI application, Shyam sought details of the marks obtained by candidates in the written examination and interview. He also sought copies of the experience certificates furnished by the candidates placed first and second in the selection process.
The KPSC’s Public Information Officer declined to disclose the marks, stating that the rank list connected with the common examination had not been finalised and the information could not be provided at that stage. On the request for experience certificates, Shyam was asked to remit the prescribed fee for obtaining copies.
He subsequently approached the KPSC’s Appellate Authority, but his appeal was rejected. Shyam then filed a second appeal before the State Information Commission.
Acting on the appeal, the Commission ordered the KPSC to furnish the information sought by him, including the examination and interview marks and the experience certificates of the first two rank holders.
The KPSC and its officials challenged the directive before the High Court, which stayed the Information Commission’s order pending further consideration of the petition.
