Bias Allegations in JNU Promotions: CIC Grants Access to Records

The Central Information Commission has given Moushumi Basu, a JNU professor, the right to inspect the university's promotion records following her allegations of biased promotions. The commission criticized the university's denial of detailed information under the RTI Act, stating it hindered addressing legitimate grievances.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has authorized Moushumi Basu, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), to inspect the institution's promotion records. This decision came following Basu's claim of bias in promotions, alleging that ineligible candidates are being favored unfairly.

The controversy began with an RTI application that Basu filed, seeking detailed information on promotion cases under the Career Advancement Scheme. Instead of the comprehensive data requested, the university provided only numerical figures, citing exemptions under sections 8(e) and 8(j) of the RTI Act, which protect fiduciary and personal information.

The CIC, however, found that denying such information undermined the ability to address grievances related to discriminatory promotion treatment. Highlighting a Karnataka High Court ruling, the CIC declared that there was no basis for invoking Section 8(1)(j) in employment-related grievances. Subsequently, JNU was ordered to provide an opportunity for record inspection and issue copies of documents as permissible under the RTI Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)