Sripathi is new Tamil Nadu CIC

CHENNAI: Nothwithstanding opposition to his candidature, Tamil Nadu government today appointed former Chief Secretary K S Sripathi to the state Chief Information Commissioner's post, as three activists who tried to stage a protest against his swearing-in, were picked up by police.

Sripathi had been appointed by Governor Surjit Singh Barnala and would hold office for a term of five years or till the date on which he attains 65 years, whichever was earlier, a gazette notification said.

Sripathi was sworn in as state CIC by Barnala at the Raj Bhavan, officials said. Finance Minister K Anbazhagan, Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin were among those present.

Three Right to Information (RTI) activists, who tried to stage a protest outside Raj Bhavan against the swearing-in, were picked up "for questioning", police said.

RTI activists had been opposing Sripathi's candidature to the post contending that it was during his tenure as Vigilance Commissioner that the Vigilance Commission pushed for exemption of Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption from the purview of the Right to Information Act.

They had also alleged lack of transparency in selection process and had sought the support of AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa to oppose Sripathi's candidature, as she is member of the Selection Committee headed by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi by virtue of being the Opposition Leader.

Jayalalithaa had boycotted the Committee meeting held last week to discuss candidates for the post of state CIC, with incumbent S Ramakrishnan's term ending.