- The Kerala High Court sought clarification from the State government on whether an order exempting the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau from the purview of the RTI Act applies to corruption inquiries against public officials. - The case highlights the tension between transparency/accountability in governance and exemptions granted to anti-corruption or investigative agencies under transparency laws. - Section 24 of the RTI Act allows states to exempt certain intelligence and security organizations, raising legal questions on whether anti-corruption vigilance bodies performing public functions can be fully shielded. - **Right to Information (RTI) Act:** A landmark legislation enacted in 2005 that empowers Indian citizens to request information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in governance, subject to certain exemptions under Section 24. - **Kerala High Court:** The constitutional court of the state of Kerala and Lakshadweep, exercising original and appellate jurisdiction as well as the power of judicial review over executive actions and state legislation. - **Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB):** The specialized anti-corruption and vigilance investigation agency of the Kerala state government tasked with probing corruption, bribery, and misconduct among public servants. **Introduction** The Kerala High Court has asked the State government to clarify if its notification exempting the Vigilance Department from the Right to Information (RTI) Act includes ongoing or prospective corruption inquiries against public officials. The judicial scrutiny balances administrative confidentiality with citizens' right to information and executive accountability. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The Kerala High Court sought clarification from the State government on whether an order exempting the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau from the purview of the RTI Act applies to corruption inquiries against public officials. - The case highlights the tension between transparency/accountability in governance and exemptions granted to anti-corruption or investigative agencies under transparency laws. - Section 24 of the RTI Act allows states to exempt certain intelligence and security organizations, raising legal questions on whether anti-corruption vigilance bodies performing public functions can be fully shielded. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Right to Information (RTI) Act:** A landmark legislation enacted in 2005 that empowers Indian citizens to request information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in governance, subject to certain exemptions under Section 24. - **Kerala High Court:** The constitutional court of the state of Kerala and Lakshadweep, exercising original and appellate jurisdiction as well as the power of judicial review over executive actions and state legislation. - **Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB):** The specialized anti-corruption and vigilance investigation agency of the Kerala state government tasked with probing corruption, bribery, and misconduct among public servants.