The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a classified note to secretaries of all ministries and departments, warning that sharing 'classified/sensitive' information with media could attract proceedings under the Official Secrets Act. This updates a 28-year-old circular and targets any unauthorized communication with the media.
The Union government has warned officials that sharing 'classified/sensitive' information with the media could lead to proceedings under the Official Secrets Act (OSA). Last month, the Ministry of Home Affairs sent a classified note to secretaries of all ministries and departments, updating a circular from 28 years ago. The note was prompted by a 'spurt in the incidents of leakage of sensitive information to unauthorized or undesirable elements' that could jeopardize national interest and security, as well as embarrass the government.
The note states: 'It is the duty of all government servants to safeguard the information and documents to which they have access in the course of their official duties. Any unauthorized communication with the media should be dealt with by suitable action, and in case of sharing of any classified/sensitive information, stringent action under the Official Secrets Act needs to be contemplated.' This provision does not apply to authorised spokespersons.
The three-page circular was also sent to heads of paramilitary forces. It differs from the original December 1998 version, which was advisory and lacked any reference to the OSA. Both mention recent leaks from within the government, though it is unclear which specific leak prompted the note, circulated in the second week of January.
The circular reiterates that such actions violate Rule 11 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, which says: 'No government servant shall, except in accordance with any general or special order of the government or in the performance in good faith of the duties assigned to him, communicate, directly or indirectly, any official document or any part thereof or information to any government servant or any other person to whom he is not authorised to communicate such document or information.'
Officials are instructed to direct journalists' queries to the Press Information Bureau (PIB) or seek the secretary's permission before responding. It also suggests designating special areas in government offices for media interactions. The note acknowledges the media's important role in shaping perceptions of government functioning but emphasizes preventing 'quick and unverified dispersal of information/misinformation on multiple media platforms by unauthorized government employees.'
HT reached out to PIB and MHA spokespersons but received no response.
