In a recent ruling dated February 12, 2024, the Court of Appeal upheld a directive by the Right to Information Commission (RTIC) from 2021, mandating a state bank to disclose the marks sheets of candidates who participated in island-wide competitive examinations for staff assistant positions.
The decision stemmed from an appeal filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by an unsuccessful candidate seeking clarification on her non-recruitment despite passing the exam. Justice D.N. Samarakoon emphasized the public interest in transparency, stating that the release of exam-related information aligns with citizens’ rights and fosters accountability in public recruitment processes.
The ruling rejected the bank’s objections regarding privacy invasion and potential harm to examination integrity, affirming the RTIC’s authority in structuring information disclosure. Moreover, the Court dismissed arguments questioning the validity of the RTIC decision based on the number of commissioners involved, clarifying that a quorum of three members suffices for issuing valid orders under the RTI Act.
