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+{{htmlmetatags>
+metatag-keywords=(service records rti, apar rti, salary rti, leave records rti, disciplinary rti pio)
+metatag-description=(Complete framework for PIO + FAA decisions on service-record RTIs — pay structure (disclose), APAR (case-specific), leave (disclose), disciplinary (specific records exempt).)
+}}
+====== Service records RTI — pay, APAR, leave, disciplinary (Deshpande boundary) (2026) ======
+{{ :social:auto:pio-service-records-rti.png?direct&1200 }}
+{{page>snippets:dpdp-banner}}
+<WRAP info>
+Service records of public servants are among the most-asked RTI categories. The line is drawn by *Girish Deshpande* (SC 2013): public-servant work-record data is NOT personal information under §8(1)(j). But specific identifying / sensitive data (Aadhaar, biometric, family details) remain exempt. Disciplinary records have a different framework — pre-decision exempt, post-decision conditionally disclosable.
+</WRAP>
+===== Statutory framework =====
+RTI Act §8(1)(j); Girish Deshpande v CIC (SC 2013); Subhash Chandra Agarwal line; AIS Conduct Rules; CCS Conduct Rules.
+===== Key principles =====
+  * Pay + grade + allowances — disclosable (work record).
+  * APAR (Annual Performance Appraisal Report) — case-specific, often partially disclosable.
+  * Leave records — disclosable (work record).
+  * Disciplinary inquiry — pre-decision exempt under §8(1)(h); post-decision conditional.
+  * Vigilance / serious misconduct — exempt during inquiry; post-decision public-interest balancing.
+  * Aadhaar / personal contact / family — exempt under §8(1)(j) regardless.
+===== Decision framework =====
+  - **Identify the specific request** — What aspect of service record? Pay, APAR, leave, discipline?
+  - **Apply Girish Deshpande filter** — Public-servant work-record data: disclosable presumptively.
+  - **Identify exempt portions** — Aadhaar, biometric, family, personal address: exempt.
+  - **For disciplinary: assess inquiry status** — Pre-decision (§8(1)(h)): exempt. Post-decision: case-specific.
+  - **Apply §10 severability** — Mixed records: disclose work portions, redact personal.
+  - **Issue speaking order** — Cite Girish Deshpande for work-record presumption + reasoning for exempt portions.
+===== Template =====
+<code>
+To: [Applicant Name]
+Subject: Reply to RTI [____] — Service records request
+Sir/Madam,
+Your application sought [details] of [Officer Name / Designation]. Pursuant to the framework laid down by the Supreme Court in *Girish Deshpande v CIC* (2013) 1 SCC 212, public-servant work-record data is NOT personal information within §8(1)(j). I respond as follows:
+. PAY + GRADE + ALLOWANCES: Disclosed.
+   [Specific data per format]
+. LEAVE STATUS: Disclosed.
+   [Specific data]
+. APAR (ANNUAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL): The substantive grading is disclosed; the reviewing-officer narrative containing personal opinions is exempt under §8(1)(j) as relating to subjective evaluation.
+   [Grade only]
+. DISCIPLINARY RECORDS: The status of pending inquiries is exempt under §8(1)(h) until conclusion. Final orders post-decision are disclosable subject to public-interest override.
+. AADHAAR / PERSONAL ADDRESS / FAMILY DETAILS: Exempt under §8(1)(j) — not work-related.
+Application of severability under §10: items 1, 2, parts of 3 disclosed; items 4, 5 exempt with reasoning above.
+Yours faithfully,
+[Name, Designation, PIO]
+</code>
+===== Illustrations =====
+==== IAS officer's pay scale + allowances ====
+Disclose — work record per Girish Deshpande.
+==== Junior officer's APAR for last 5 years ====
+Disclose substantive grade; redact reviewing-officer personal narrative.
+==== Officer's leave taken in last 12 months ====
+Disclose — work record (presence/absence).
+==== Officer under vigilance inquiry — current status ====
+Exempt under §8(1)(h) until inquiry concludes.
+==== Officer convicted in disciplinary inquiry — final order ====
+Disclose — public-interest override applies post-decision.
+==== Officer's home address + family Aadhaar ====
+Exempt under §8(1)(j) — not work record.
+===== Case law anchors =====
+  * **Girish Deshpande v CIC (SC 2013)** — Foundational ruling on service-record disclosure.
+  * **Subhash Chandra Agarwal v CPIO (SC 2019, 2024)** — Public-servant accountability + disciplinary records.
+  * **Anand Bhusan v %%UoI%% (CIC 2007)** — Service record framework.
+  * **R.K. Jain v %%UoI%% (SC 2013)** — File noting + post-decision disclosability.
+  * **Madhya Pradesh HC, In Re: Service Records (2018)** — Disciplinary records — post-decision balancing.
+===== Common mistakes =====
+  * Refusing all service records as "personal" — wrong post-Girish Deshpande.
+  * Disclosing officer's Aadhaar / phone — violates §8(1)(j) regardless.
+  * Pre-decision disciplinary disclosure — violates §8(1)(h) inquiry protection.
+  * Generic refusal without reasoning — violates §7(8) speaking order standard.
+  * Failing to apply §10 severability for mixed records.
+  * Treating APAR as fully exempt — only reviewing-officer narrative is.
+===== Pro tips =====
+  * Maintain a "service record reply template" — saves time.
+  * For complex APAR queries, consult HR + %%DoPT%% guidelines.
+  * For disciplinary queries, check inquiry status before any disclosure.
+  * Use anonymization for aggregate (e.g., "all Class A officers in this PA") queries.
+  * Train HR division on Girish Deshpande line — accelerates future replies.
+===== FAQs =====
+==== Can I refuse APAR entirely? ====
+No — substantive grade disclosable. Only reviewing-officer narrative subjective opinions exempt.
+==== What about psychiatric / health records of public servant? ====
+Generally exempt under §8(1)(j) unless specific public-interest in fitness for office.
+==== Can I disclose officer's social media activity? ====
+Public posts: yes. Private: exempt under §8(1)(j).
+==== Service record request from officer's spouse during separation ====
+Apply standard test; spousal status doesn't override §8(1)(j).
+==== Officer transferred — current PA does not have records ====
+Use §6(3) transfer to current parent department.
+===== Related reading =====
+  * [[:pio-faa-knowledge-base|pio faa knowledge base]]
+  * [[:pio-supreme-court-rulings|pio supreme court rulings]]
+  * [[:pio-faa-knowledge-base|pio section 8 1 j framework]]
+  * [[:act:section-8|act/section-8]]
+  * [[:rti-for-acr-apar-copy|rti for acr apar copy]]
+===== Sources =====
+RTI Act §8(1)(j); Girish Deshpande v CIC (SC 2013); CCS / AIS Conduct Rules; CIC compendium on service records.
+//Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.//
+{{tag>pio-faa pio rti-act-2005 pio-service-records-rti}}

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