Government white paper / discussion drafts — CIC
Quick Reply: Once a government white paper / policy draft is released for public consultation, it is a public document. Public-consultation drafts = public documents; §8(1)(i).
Central Information Commission · 2020-01-01 · Citation awaited
Public-consultation drafts = public documents; §8(1)(i) does not apply once released for consultation.
Case details
| Court | Central Information Commission |
|---|---|
| Decided | 2020-01-01 |
| Citation | Citation awaited |
| Petitioner | Researcher |
| Respondent | Ministry |
| RTI Act sections | §8(1)(i) |
| Outcome | Applicant allowed |
Outcome
Once a government white paper / policy draft is released for public consultation, it is a public document.
Ratio decidendi
A government white paper, consultation paper, or draft policy released for public consultation becomes a public document the moment it is released. §8(1)(i) cabinet-deliberations protection does not reach a document that has been intentionally put into the public domain for consultation.
Keywords
white paper, consultation draft, CIC, §8(1)(i)
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Related
Editorial summary, not a certified report. The ratio here is an editorial compression. Before citing this ruling in a PIO order, FAA speaking order, or any appellate filing, verify against the full reported decision. RTI Wiki is not a legal service.
Editorial summary · last reviewed 21 April 2026.