Contrary to Dasmunsi’s claims, while the US information law does exempt internal government communications from being disclosed, the exemption is only for the period while decisions are being made. Once a decision is taken by the government, the same communication (equivalent to the Indian ‘file notings’), however, are open to public.

In Australia, the right to information is curtailed where an agency can establish that non-disclosure is necessary for protection of essential public interest and private and business affairs of a person about whom information is sought. But documents on the internal working of the government, including Cabinet documents, are out of bounds, though in some cases, documents can be accessed with the exempt information deleted.

In the UK, the Freedom of Information Act contains exemptions to the right of access in order to protect legitimate interests and sensitivities—some of these exemptions are absolute while some are subject to a public interest test and are known as ‘qualified’.

But in the UK too, the formulation and development of government policy that includes Cabinet proceedings and communications between ministers and other official advisories on policy proposals, are exempt from disclosure.

Sixth pay panel gets Cabinet OK

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet on Thursday gave its approval for setting up the Sixth Pay Commission for Central government employees. The term of the Commission would be for 18 months.