In a groundbreaking judgment on September 8, 2025, the Odisha State Chief Information Commissioner, Manoj Parida, issued a historic order directing the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) to disclose interview marks to candidates.
The ruling came in response to a case filed by Smt. Minati Rani Mohapatra from Bhadrak District, who applied for the post of Assistant Teacher (History) in 2002 but was not selected.
The selection process for the Assistant Teacher post, as advertised by OPSC, was based on career marks and interview performance. After failing to find her name in the list of selected candidates published in June 2002, Smt. Mohrpatra filed an RTI application in December 2002, seeking details of her career and interview marks. While OPSC provided her career marks, it refused to disclose her interview marks, citing a December 2002 decision not to share such information with candidates.
During the hearing before the State Information Commission, OPSC representatives argued that interview marks are not recorded, nor are minimum marks fixed for selection. They claimed the interview assesses candidates’ personality, speaking skills, and overall suitability, with candidates only informed whether they were deemed “suitable” or “unsuitable.” No specific marks or merit lists were disclosed.
In his landmark judgment, State Chief Information Commissioner Parida ruled that OPSC’s decision violates the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. He emphasised that candidates have a fundamental right to know their interview marks to understand their performance and improve for future attempts. “Every candidate, particularly those who have not succeeded, has a right to know why they failed. OPSC cannot keep candidates in the dark,” Parida stated. He further clarified that Section 22 of the RTI Act supersedes all other Acts and Rules, compelling OPSC to provide the requested information.
The Commissioner directed OPSC to revise its procedures and ensure transparency by sharing interview marks with candidates. This ruling is expected to set a precedent for recruitment processes across public service commissions, promoting accountability and fairness.
Smt. Mohapatra’s case highlights the power of the RTI Act in upholding transparency and empowering candidates to seek clarity on their performance. The decision is a significant step toward reforming recruitment practices in Odisha and beyond.
