Allahabad HC Refuses RTI for Judicial Exam Answer Sheets, CIC Order Quashed

In the Allahabad High Court RTI case, the court has refused to release answer sheets of the Higher Judicial Service Examination under the RTI Act. The court set aside a Central Information Commission (CIC) order that had directed disclosure of evaluated copies. The bench made it clear that maintaining confidentiality and sanctity of judicial examinations outweighs the need for disclosure under RTI in this case.

Allahabad High Court RTI Case: Key Decision and Date

• Court: Allahabad High Court
• Order Date: April 17, 2026
• Exam Concerned: UP Higher Judicial Service Examination, 2009
• Authority Challenged: Central Information Commission
• Outcome: CIC order quashed; answer sheets not to be disclosed

The court allowed the writ petition and set aside the CIC’s April 4, 2013 order.

Why Allahabad High Court Refused RTI for Answer Sheets?

The bench of Justice Ajit Kumar and Justice Indrajeet Shukla gave several clear reasons:

1. Judicial Exams Are “Sacrosanct”

The court emphasized that higher judicial service exams hold a unique status.Maintaining their confidentiality and sanctity is essential.

2. No Rule Mandates Disclosure

There is no provision in existing rules requiring answer sheets to be shared with candidates.

3. No Established Practice

The court noted that judicial service exams have never followed a practice of providing evaluated answer sheets.

4. Transparency Has Limits

While the RTI Act promotes transparency, the court said it must be balanced against institutional integrity.

CIC Order and Petitioner’s Argument

The Central Information Commission had earlier directed that:

• Photocopies of answer sheets be provided
• Examiner identities be masked

The petitioner argued:

• Once marks are disclosed, candidates should access answer sheets
• RTI allows access unless it harms institutional functioning
• Masking examiner identity removes confidentiality concerns

However, the court rejected these arguments.

Allahabad High Court on Necessity of Answer Sheets

The court clearly stated that providing answer sheets is “not necessary.”

It added:

• Candidates can note grievances after viewing marks
• There is no legal obligation to provide copies
• Disclosure is not required if rules do not support it

RTI and Judicial Exams: A Larger Trend

This ruling highlights a broader trend in India:

• Competitive exams like UPSC and state PSCs allow limited transparency
• However, judicial exams remain more restrictive
• Courts often prioritize confidential evaluation systems over full disclosure

This creates a distinction between general public exams and judicial recruitment processes, which are treated with higher sensitivity.

What This Means for Candidates?

• No access to evaluated answer sheets via RTI for judicial exams
• Marks disclosure remains the primary form of transparency
• Any challenge must rely on procedural grounds, not answer sheet review

Steps to Check Judicial Exam Results (General Process)

1. Visit the official High Court website
2. Go to recruitment or results section
3. Click on the relevant exam link
4. Enter required credentials (if applicable)
5. Download result PDF or scorecard
6. Keep a copy for future reference

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