Today, the first step in a series of litigation in d next few weeks. I've sent a legal representation to MoHFW, MHA, Dr. VK Paul (NITI Aayog), & DPIIT seeking their action on suo-motu disclosure of records relatin to Empowered Groups & Committees for Covid-19 management. Thread🧵 
1. RTI Act requires all public authorities to "suo-motu" disclose information, & especially disclose *reasons* for its administrative or quasi-judicial decisions to affected persons.
2. No doubt, serious curbs on people's fundamental rights were placed since the pandemic.
2. No doubt, serious curbs on people's fundamental rights were placed since the pandemic.
3. It is my argument that such disclosure of "reasoning" for decisions taken, undisputedly requires the public to have access to the records of the workings of Empowered Groups and Committees, like NEGVAC (currently a top-secret bcoz "national security").
4. One of the main demands in this representation is for disclosure of scientific evidence based on which a range of decisions, including vaccine approvals, were provided. But most of these records are currently in a "sealed cover" bcoz they may harm "national interests".
5. In the Pegasus order, the SC held-
However, this does not mean that the State gets a free pass every time the spectre of ‘national security’ is raised, & expect d judiciary to remain a mute spectator. The claim has to be backed by evidence.
However, this does not mean that the State gets a free pass every time the spectre of ‘national security’ is raised, & expect d judiciary to remain a mute spectator. The claim has to be backed by evidence.
6. Till date, in several of my cases before the Central Information Commission, Centre has written not one line "justifying" national interest concerns, forget "provide evidence" for keeping info top secret. Yet, CIC gives them a free pass. We know why.
Over to the Courts now.
Over to the Courts now.
7. It's an uphill task, no doubt. But d govt has been gettin away from disclosing any info relatin to any public interest matters for a while now. However, dis does not give *us* a free pass to let it be. Sometimes, it is a battle of principles. Many of us r tryin in our own way.
Grateful to Mr. Aditya Prasad & Dhriti Chhabra who provided legal advice & helped me draft the representation. Thank you to the @thakurfdn for supporting my work attempting to bring transparency to public health institutions.
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