What is the CIC?
The (CIC) is the highest appellate authority under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of Central public authorities.
Legal Basis
- Established under Section 12 of the RTI Act, 2005
- Independent statutory body
Composition
- Chief Information Commissioner
- Up to 10 Information Commissioners
- Appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of:
- Prime Minister (Chair)
- Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
- Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM
Functions and Powers
- Hears second appeals under RTI
- Decides complaints against denial or delay of information
- Can:
- Direct disclosure of information
- Impose penalties on Public Information Officers (PIOs)
- Recommend disciplinary action
- Submits annual reports to Parliament
Jurisdiction
- Covers Central Government ministries, departments, PSUs, and constitutional bodies
- State-level matters handled by State Information Commissions
