Daily Current Affairs : 16-July-2024
The Supreme Court of India recently affirmed the authority of the Central Information Commission (CIC) to establish benches and create its personal rules. This choice is a huge step in making sure that the CIC functions successfully and independently beneath the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005.
What is the Central Information Commission (CIC)?
The Central Information Commission (CIC) is an vital body set up with the aid of the Indian authorities to supervise the implementation of the RTI Act. Its number one function is to deal with complaints and appeals related to the denial of statistics through public government. The CIC became hooked up in 2005 as part of the government’s efforts to promote transparency and duty in public administration.
Key factors about the CIC:
- It turned into created below the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
- The Commission includes a Chief Information Commissioner and up to 10 Information Commissioners.
- The CIC is no longer a constitutional body, however it performs a crucial role in safeguarding residents’ rights to data.
Appointment of the CIC Members
The contributors of the CIC, together with the Chief Information Commissioner, are appointed via the President of India. The selection system is accomplished via a committee, which incorporates:
- The Prime Minister (Chairperson)
- The Leader of the Opposition within the Lok Sabha
- A Union Cabinet Minister, nominated by way of the Prime Minister
This committee ensures that the appointments are made in a truthful and transparent way.
The Supreme Court’s Ruling
In its ruling, the Supreme Court clarified that the Chief Information Commissioner has the authority to:
- Constitute benches for hearing instances and appeals.
- Frame guidelines for the effective functioning of the Commission.
The Court emphasised that those powers are granted below Section 12(4) of the RTI Act. This provision guarantees that the CIC can perform independently and make decisions with out interference, which is essential for the powerful implementation of the RTI Act.
Important Points:
Supreme Court’s Affirmation: The Supreme Court has affirmed the authority of the Central Information Commission (CIC) to establish benches and create its own regulations, ensuring its autonomy under the RTI Act.
CIC’s Role: The CIC supervises the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act and handles complaints and appeals related to the denial of information by public authorities.
Establishment of CIC: The CIC was set up in 2005 under the provisions of the RTI Act, aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in government administration.
Composition of CIC:
- The Commission consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and up to 10 Information Commissioners.
- It is not a constitutional body but plays a crucial role in ensuring citizens’ right to access information.
Appointment Process: The members of the CIC, including the Chief Information Commissioner, are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a selection committee, which includes:
- The Prime Minister (Chairperson)
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
- A Union Cabinet Minister, nominated by the Prime Minister
Supreme Court’s Interpretation of RTI Act:
- The Court clarified that the Chief Information Commissioner has the authority to:
- Constitute benches for hearing cases and appeals.
- Frame regulations for the effective functioning of the CIC.
- These powers are granted under Section 12(4) of the RTI Act to ensure independence.
Importance of Autonomy: The Court’s ruling strengthens the CIC’s ability to operate independently and make decisions without interference, critical for enforcing the RTI Act effectively.
Why In News
The Supreme Court has affirmed that the Central Information Commission (CIC) possesses the authority to constitute benches and frame regulations, emphasizing the importance of its autonomy for effective functioning, which is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in public governance. This ruling underscores the need for the CIC to operate independently, free from external influence, to uphold citizens’ right to access information under the RTI Act.
MCQs about The Authority and Role of the Central Information Commission
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What is the primary role of the Central Information Commission (CIC)?
A. To create new laws related to information access
B. To handle complaints and appeals related to the denial of information by public authorities
C. To oversee elections in India
D. To regulate the media
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How are the members of the Central Information Commission (CIC) appointed?
A. Appointed by the President based on recommendations from a committee that includes the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and a Union Cabinet Minister
B. Elected by the citizens of India
C. Appointed by the Chief Justice of India
D. Appointed by the Union Cabinet without any committee
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Which section of the RTI Act gives the Chief Information Commissioner the authority to constitute benches and frame regulations?
A. Section 10(3)
B. Section 12(4)
C. Section 15(1)
D. Section 8(2)
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What does the Supreme Court’s recent ruling emphasize about the Central Information Commission’s functioning?
A. The CIC must follow strict guidelines set by the government
B. The CIC’s decisions are subject to approval by the Union Cabinet
C. The CIC must operate with complete autonomy to ensure effective functioning
D. The CIC can only make recommendations, not binding decisions
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