An RTI response issued by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has revealed that the state-run liquor retailer refused to disclose the total number of liquor outlets operating across Tamil Nadu, along with several related details sought by an applicant.
The RTI application was filed by M. Kasimayan of Ayappakkam, Chennai, on 19 May 2026 and was received by the TASMAC Head Office on 21 May 2026. The response was issued on 5 June 2026.
In his application under the Right to Information Act, 2005, the petitioner sought basic information regarding TASMAC outlets functioning across the state.
The first query requested the total number of TASMAC liquor shops operating in Tamil Nadu. In response, TASMAC stated that the file was pending and therefore could not be provided.
The petitioner also sought district-wise details of TASMAC outlets across Tamil Nadu. TASMAC replied that the response applicable to the first query would apply to this request as well – file pending so information could not be provided.
Further, the applicant sought information on the number of TASMAC shops that had been identified as operating near schools, colleges, and places of worship and had subsequently been ordered to be closed. TASMAC again referred to its response to the first query – file pending so information could not be provided.
The RTI application also sought details regarding employees who had worked in such shops, including their names, designations, and the number of staff attached to each outlet. TASMAC declined to provide the information and referred back to its earlier response – file pending so information could not be provided.
Another query sought information regarding transfer postings and salary details of employees who were reassigned following the closure of such outlets. TASMAC once again stated that the response given to the first query would apply – file pending so information could not be provided.
The reply was issued by S. Aanandha Priya, Public Information Officer and Executive Secretary of TASMAC’s Head Office.
Present state of the Information Commission’s functioning. No response to any questions.. pic.twitter.com/EXDQRakWg4
— Stalin SP (@Stalin__SP) June 11, 2026
The RTI response has drawn attention because the information sought included basic operational data relating to TASMAC’s retail network across Tamil Nadu and that TASMAC refused to provide any information even under RTI. The state-run corporation, which enjoys a monopoly over liquor retail sales in the state, has frequently been at the centre of public debates regarding the location of liquor outlets and their proximity to educational institutions and places of worship.
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