The Supreme Court has held that the Central Information Commission has powers to constitute benches and frame regulations.
Key observations of Supreme Court
The autonomy and independence of administrative bodies are fundamental to their ability to perform their designated functions effectively.
The Chief Information Commissioner’s powers to frame regulations pertaining to the constitution of benches of the commission are upheld as such powers are within the ambit of Section 12(4) of the RTI Act.
Institutions like the Central Information Commission (CIC) are established to carry out specialised tasks that require a level of impartiality and expertise that can only be achieved if they are free from undue interference.
While the RTI Act does not explicitly grant CIC the authority to frame regulations, the overarching powers granted under Section 12(4) of the RTI Act inherently include the ability to manage the commission’s affairs effectively.
Central Information Commission
The Central Information Commission has been constituted with effect from 12-10-2005 under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The jurisdiction of the Commission extends over all Central Public Authorities.
The decisions of the Commission are final and binding.
