Why India Doesn’t Have Epstein or MLK Type Files Requiring Declassification: A Closer Look

Image Source : Mathrubhumi English

Unlike the US, which has prominent declassified files like the Epstein and MLK archives, India has no established system for releasing classified files of similar magnitude. Limited declassifications, mostly historic like those of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, highlight a cautious approach emphasizing national security and controlled transparency.

India’s approach to declassification of government and intelligence files significantly differs from that of the US, where the Trump administration’s release of Martin Luther King Jr. assassination files and demand for Epstein investigation transparency sparked widespread attention. Experts note several factors explaining India’s lack of such high-profile, publicly declassified files.

Notable updates:

India does not have a formal, legally mandated declassification framework akin to the US. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regularly declassifies older diplomatic documents after 25 years but focuses mainly on foreign missions.

Most publicly accessible declassified Indian files relate to historical figures like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, with around 225 documents released digitally since 2016, mainly for archival and research purposes.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) introduced a policy in 2021 requiring war and operations histories to be compiled within five years and records to be declassified typically after 25 years, but much remains classified for national security.

Highly sensitive reports like the Henderson Brooks-Bhagat report on India’s 1962 Sino-Indian war remain classified decades later due to security concerns.

India’s data protection and national security laws impose broad restrictions on accessing confidential information, often prioritizing state sovereignty and public order over transparency.

Unlike the US, where judicial orders, congressional pressure, and activist demands drive file releases, India’s archival release relies heavily on official government discretion, lacking external compulsory mechanisms.

Analysts argue this approach maintains balance between transparency and security given India’s unique geopolitical challenges and internal security environment.

The legacy of record-keeping practices, political sensitivities, and limited public demand for revelations also contribute to more conservative declassification trends.

Major Takeaways:

India’s limited declassification contrasts with high-profile revelations seen elsewhere primarily due to structural, legal, and security considerations. While steps toward timely archiving and selective disclosure are underway, comprehensive open access to contentious national files remains a distant prospect. The nuanced pursuit of transparency within India’s complex political-security landscape continues to shape file release policies.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Ministry of Defence policy releases, UNI India, The Diplomat, Reuters, GlobalNCAP India, National Archives of India.

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