As far as the government goes, the amendment is far from dead. Sources in the DoPT say that their understanding has always been that “notings” have been excluded in the original Act itself, and the amendment is to actually enable the social and developmental plan-related “notings” to be made public.

They maintain they have a strong case as all state governments are with them in this matter and notings are ruled out by all State Information Acts passed in India so far. The website of the Ministry continues to maintain in its FAQ that “file notings’ are exempt from the Act. However, Pachauri says “we have an open mind on the matter” and are anxious to find a middle ground which they hope to bring activists around to.