TNPSC is asked to share a copy of the answer sheet with the candidate

The Tamil Nadu Information Commission has directed the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) to share a copy of the answer sheet with candidates seeking documents under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Candidate S. Arthi of Dharmapuri participated in the examination conducted by TNPSC for the posts of Agriculture Officer (Extension), Assistant Director of Agriculture (Extension) and Horticulture Officer. The computer based examination was held on May 20/21, 2023.

After finalizing the list of eligible candidates and sending it to the respective departments for appointment, the candidate wrote to the Public Information Officer, Evaluation Department, TNPSC asking for a photocopy of his answer sheet along with the answer keys. After receiving no response from the public authority, he appealed before the TNIC under the provisions of Section 19(1) of the Act.

State Information Commissioner R. Appearing before Priyakumar, TNPSC PIO said that the oral examination for the post of Assistant Director of Agriculture (Extension) was stopped due to an interim stay by the Madras High Court.

A copy of the answer sheet in the examination will be published on the TNPSC website only after the completion of the entire selection process as per the norms laid down under guideline 14(1) of the said notification (advertisement).

After hearing both sides, Mr. Priyakumar said that it is clear from the statement of TNPSC that the list of selected candidates has been published and recommended for appointment for the post of Agriculture Officer (Extension).

The court gave an interim order only regarding the appointment of Assistant Director of Agriculture (Extension).

As the petitioner is a candidate for the post of Agricultural Officer (Extension), the postponement order will not cause any hindrance in the examination process of Agriculture as the candidates have joined the work after receiving the order of appointment after the results have been declared. Officer (Extension).

“The petitioner’s right cannot be taken away because another examination falling under the same notice is stopped,” he ordered and directed the PIO to submit the information sought by the petitioner.