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—pio-service-records-rti [2026/07/22 17:44] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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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).)}}
  
 +====== PIO/FAA Framework for Service-Record RTIs — APAR, Salary, Leave ======
 +
 +
 +
 +{{ :social:auto:pio-service-records-rti.png?direct&1200 |PIO/FAA Framework for Service-Record RTIs — APAR, Salary, Leave — RTI Wiki}}
 +
 +<WRAP center round info 95%>
 +**Quick Reply:** Complete framework for PIO + FAA decisions on service-record RTIs — pay structure (disclose), APAR (case-specific), leave (disclose).
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +Pre-decision: APAR is exempt by default. 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:
 +
 +1. PAY + GRADE + ALLOWANCES: Disclosed.
 +   [Specific data per format]
 +
 +2. LEAVE STATUS: Disclosed.
 +   [Specific data]
 +
 +3. 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]
 +
 +4. 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.
 +
 +5. 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}}