Supreme Court Upholds CIC’s Powers to Manage Operations, Frame Rules, and Form Committees
The Supreme Court has clarified that the Central Information Commission (CIC) possesses the authority to manage its operations through the formation of benches, creation of regulations, and establishment of external committees, as outlined under the RTI Act.
In a recent landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India upheld the CIC’s broad powers to organize its functions and maintain its independence under the Right to Information Act (RTI Act). The ruling came from a case involving the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which challenged the CIC’s authority to summon its officials and form committees to review DDA’s operations.
Key Points from the Supreme Court Ruling:
- Autonomy of the CIC: The Court emphasized that the independence of administrative bodies like the CIC is crucial for them to effectively perform their specialized tasks. The Court rejected any arguments that sought to limit the CIC’s powers or intervene in its administrative functions, stating that such actions would undermine the integrity and efficiency of these bodies.
- Inherent Powers Under RTI Act: The Court noted that while the RTI Act does not explicitly grant the CIC the power to frame regulations, Section 12(4) of the Act inherently provides the CIC with the authority to manage its own affairs. This includes forming benches, issuing orders, and creating regulations necessary for the Commission’s effective functioning.
- Importance of Internal Management: The Court recognized that the ability to establish procedures, frame regulations, and form committees is essential for the CIC to manage its workload and uphold the citizens’ right to information. The Court affirmed that these powers are instrumental in ensuring the Commission’s operations are carried out in a fair and efficient manner.
- Historical Context: The Court’s decision also addressed and overturned a previous Delhi High Court judgment from May 2010 that had restricted the Chief Information Commissioner’s powers under Section 12(4). The High Court had previously ruled that such powers did not extend to forming benches or issuing regulations, a position that the Supreme Court has now reversed.
- Broader Implications: By affirming the CIC’s authority to manage its functions autonomously, the Supreme Court reinforced the principle that administrative bodies must operate without undue external interference. This independence is vital for upholding transparency and accountability as envisioned under the RTI Act.
The Supreme Court’s verdict marks a significant reinforcement of the CIC’s role and powers, ensuring it can effectively discharge its duties in line with the RTI Act’s objectives.
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