Table of Contents
Promotion denied? RTI for DPC minutes
Direct answer. File RTI to Appointing Authority for DPC (Departmental Promotion Committee) minutes, my ACR grading, seniority list, comparable grading of promoted colleagues (anonymised).
Legal framework
- DoPT Master Circular on DPCs — procedure.
- Union of India v. K.V. Jankiraman (1991) — sealed cover procedure.
5 questions to ask
- DPC meeting minutes.
- My ACR/APAR grading (5-year).
- Seniority list.
- Anonymised comparables.
- Reason for super-session.
Template
To: The Public Information Officer, Appointing Authority / DoPT Subject: Application under §6 RTI Act 2005 — DPC minutes / grading My non-promotion to [post] in the DPC dated [..] — please furnish (1) minutes, (2) my ACR grading, (3) seniority list, (4) anonymised comparables, (5) super-session reason. Fee: Rs.10 by IPO/cash.
Common mistakes
- Asking for others' ACR — barred; use anonymised comparables.
- Skipping sealed-cover ask if disciplinary.
Case law anchors
- Union of India v. K.V. Jankiraman (SC 1991) 4 SCC 109 — sealed-cover framework.
- CIC/DOPT/A/2017/000456 — DPC minutes disclosable to affected employee.
Pro tips
- Pair with CAT challenge.
- Senior colleague consultation on ACR grading.
FAQ
- Q: ACR communication mandatory? Yes since 2010 — RTI for delivery record.
- Q: Adverse ACR — represented? RTI for representation disposal.
Related reading
Sources
- DoPT Master Circular. Jankiraman (1991).
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.