Who Is S. Natarajan? Retired IAS Officer Appointed Tamil Nadu Chief Information Commissioner
The 2005-batch Tamil Nadu cadre officer, who entered the IAS through State Civil Service induction, will head the Tamil Nadu Information Commission along with four newly appointed State Information Commissioners.
The Tamil Nadu government has appointed retired IAS officer S. Natarajan as the State Chief Information Commissioner, placing him at the helm of the Tamil Nadu Information Commission, the statutory body responsible for hearing appeals and complaints under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
The appointments, announced on October 30, 2026, also include four State Information Commissioners: S. Mahalakshmi, T.K. Shabeer, C.B. Meena and P. Mahalingam. The appointments are aimed at filling vacancies in the commission and strengthening its functioning.
According to the notification, the appointments have been made under Section 15(3) of the RTI Act, 2005. The appointees will hold office for three years from the date they assume charge or until they attain the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
Who Is S. Natarajan?
S. Natarajan is a retired Indian Administrative Service officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre. He belongs to the 2005 batch and entered the IAS through induction from the State Civil Service.
Born on March 6, 1964, Natarajan holds an M.Sc. and an M.Tech. degree. He has more than two decades of experience in public administration, having served in various capacities in the Tamil Nadu government.
His appointment as Chief Information Commissioner brings his administrative experience to an institution entrusted with promoting transparency and accountability in public authorities.
Served as Vice-Chairman and CEO of Tamil Nadu Maritime Board
One of Natarajan’s notable assignments was as Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board in Chennai. The position involved responsibilities relating to the state’s maritime administration and development. His last recorded posting in the available service profile was as Vice-Chairman and CEO of the board.
His induction into the IAS from the State Civil Service and subsequent administrative assignments have given him experience in state-level governance before his appointment to head the Information Commission.
Four State Information Commissioners Appointed
Along with Natarajan, the Tamil Nadu government has appointed four State Information Commissioners:
S. Mahalakshmi
T.K. Shabeer
C.B. Meena
P. Mahalingam
The appointment of P. Mahalingam is particularly noteworthy as he is a journalist. His inclusion brings a media background to the commission, whose mandate centres on citizens’ right to access public information and government accountability. The four commissioners will assist the Chief Information Commissioner in discharging the commission’s statutory responsibilities.
What Does the Tamil Nadu Information Commission Do?
The Tamil Nadu Information Commission is responsible for hearing appeals and complaints under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Citizens can approach the commission when they face difficulties obtaining information from public authorities, including cases involving denial of information, failure to respond within the prescribed period or disputes concerning access to records.
The commission plays an important role in ensuring that public authorities comply with the provisions of the RTI Act and that citizens can exercise their right to information. Filling vacancies in the commission is significant for its ability to hear pending cases and discharge its statutory functions.
What Is the Tenure of the Chief Information Commissioner?
Under the applicable provisions of the RTI Act, the State Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioners will serve for three years from the date they assume office or until they attain the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
Their appointments have been made under Section 15(3) of the RTI Act, 2005, while their service conditions are governed by the applicable provisions of the Act and the Right to Information Rules, 2019.
With Natarajan’s appointment as Chief Information Commissioner and four new commissioners joining the body, the Tamil Nadu government has filled key vacancies in the state’s information commission.
