Rule 11 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 - Communication of Official Information

Rule 11 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 governs the communication of official information by Central Government servants. The rule must now be read in its amended form, which expressly connects a Government servant's duty to communicate information with the Right to Information Act, 2005 and its rules, while continuing to restrict unauthorised disclosure of official documents and classified information.

Current text and effect of Rule 11

Every Government servant shall, in the performance of official duties in good faith, communicate information to a person in accordance with the Right to Information Act, 2005 (Act 22 of 2005) and the rules made under that Act.

At the same time, a Government servant must not, unless permitted by a general or special Government order or required in the good-faith performance of assigned duties, directly or indirectly communicate an official document, any part of such document, or classified information to a Government servant or any other person who is not authorised to receive it.

The present formulation of Rule 11 was introduced to bring the Conduct Rules into harmony with the statutory transparency regime created by the Right to Information Act, 2005. The amendment therefore does not create a blanket prohibition on communication of Government information. Instead, it distinguishes lawful disclosure under the RTI framework or official authority from unauthorised disclosure of protected official material.

What does "communication of official information" mean?

For Rule 11, the practical question is whether the Government servant is authorised to communicate the document or information. Authorisation may arise from the Right to Information Act and the applicable RTI Rules, a general or special Government order, or the lawful and good-faith discharge of assigned official duties.

Lawful disclosure under the RTI Act is recognised by Rule 11.
Official information may also be communicated when a Government order or assigned duty authorises it.
Official documents, parts of official documents and classified information cannot be shared with unauthorised persons.
The restriction applies to direct as well as indirect communication.
Whether disclosure is permitted depends on the nature of the information, the authority of the recipient and the legal or official basis for communication.

Rule 11 and the Right to Information Act, 2005

Rule 11 expressly requires communication of information in accordance with the Right to Information Act, 2005 and the rules made under it. Therefore, a Government servant dealing with an RTI request must follow the statutory procedure, including the provisions governing access, exemptions, third-party information and other restrictions contained in the RTI Act.

The official Department of Personnel and Training RTI portal provides access to RTI materials, rules, circulars and related Government resources. The official text of the Act is also available through the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice.

Unauthorised disclosure and classified information

The proviso to Rule 11 preserves the confidentiality obligations of Government servants. A document or classified information should not be communicated merely because the employee has access to it. The recipient must be authorised, or the communication must otherwise be permitted by law, Government order or the proper discharge of official duties.

Important: The older version of this webpage reproduced pre-2005 language describing Rule 11 mainly as "unauthorised communication of information." The amended rule is broader and is now titled "Communication of Official Information." It expressly incorporates the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Use of official documents in representations and personal matters

Government instructions issued under the Conduct Rules have historically cautioned employees against obtaining, retaining, quoting or copying official records or file material that they are not authorised to access or keep for personal purposes. Such situations should be assessed with reference to the current Rule 11, the employee's authority to possess the material, applicable departmental instructions, and any other law governing the document or information.

Practical compliance for Government servants

Verify whether the recipient is authorised to receive the information.
Use prescribed official channels for disclosure.
Follow the RTI Act and RTI Rules when dealing with an RTI request.
Do not circulate classified, confidential or restricted official records without authority.
Do not retain Government documents for personal use unless retention is officially permitted.
Where doubt exists, obtain instructions from the competent authority before disclosure.

Related CCS (Conduct) Rules

Rule 11 should be read with other provisions governing official conduct, including Rule 8 on connection with press or other media, Rule 9 on criticism of Government and Rule 10 on evidence before a committee or other authority.

Last reviewed: 14 September 2026.