Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
10" Android Tablet Buy Now
Quay Sunglasses for Women Buy Now
2 Pieces Summer Beach Outfits Buy Now
Fire TV 40 inch 2-Series Smart TV Buy Now
KISS WIFE Christmas Jewelry Set for Women Girls Buy Now
Wide Leg Denim Mom Shorts Buy Now
Hair Bonnet for Sleeping Hair Buy Now
Stretch High Waisted Ripped Jeans Buy Now
SAMPEEL Crop Tops Buy Now
Women's Gingham Boxer Shorts Buy Now
Soft Cotton Muslim Jersey Hijab Buy Now
Summer Satin Dress Elegant Sleeveless Buy Now
Business Dress Shirts Wrinkle Free Buy Now
Slim Fit Ripped Skinny Jeans Buy Now
Flared Pleated Skort with Shorts Buy Now
Drapey Ponte A-line Midi Skirt Buy Now
Kerala Banarasi Silk Saree Buy Now
Chiffon Scarf Buy Now
Bandhani Georgette Saree Buy Now
Cotton Military Outdoor Jackets Buy Now
MoreBack to News Headlines
Why are India’s Information Commission posts vacant? | Explained
Premium

Why are India’s Information Commission posts vacant? | Explained Premium

The Hindu
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 9:31 AM GMT

The Supreme Court recently cautioned that the RTI Act would be reduced to a dead letter if Information Commissions are not staffed, as pendency of cases continues to rise. We take a look at pendencies and why they persist.

The story so far: In 2005, the Right to Information Act painted a revolutionary picture: empowered citizens holding a fundamental democratic right to know how their governments use money and power. It had the potential to “change the contours of democratic governance in India,” activist Aruna Roy wrote. Now, the legislation risks being reduced to a “dead letter” if governments do not fill up vacancies in the 26 Information Commission (IC) offices, the Supreme Court cautioned the government earlier this month.

India’s RTI Act, cultivated to protect people’s rights and hold the government accountable, has fallen into redundancy, a petition before the Supreme Court says. Information Commissions do not have enough officials to respond to cases as they pile up, festering into huge backlogs, delays, secrecy and inevitably impeding a citizen’s right to hold the state accountable. This regime of transparency now lies clogged, with many bodies no longer accepting RTI requests, the petitioners added.

The Central Information Commission (CIC), the figurative custodian of RTI’s spirit, is functioning without a Chief Commissioner. Further, four Information Commissioners at the CIC are set to retire on November 6, creating a gap that will leave the CIC defunct for the first time since the RTI Act was passed, co-petitioner Anjali Bhardwaj wrote on X, saying it would be a “gross violation of peoples right to information.”

Similar concerns have been raised by activists over the years; it was revived recently when the Act was amended for the second time in five years with the passing of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill. A blanket ban on disclosing “personal information”, ushered in with the 2023 Amendment, would further pave the way to powerful officials evading accountability, the National Campaign for Peoples’ Right to Information (NCPRI) warned earlier this year. Others argue that similar bureaucratic bottlenecks, developed under the heedless gaze of ICs, have undone the promise of RTI.

India has about 25 State Information Commissions (SICs) and one Central Information Commission (CIC). The RTI Act mandates that each Commission have one Chief Information Commissioner, and up to 10 Information Commissioners. The number of information commissioners would depend upon the workload, “as may be deemed necessary”, the Supreme Court said in 2019 while ruling on a PIL about defunct ICs.

There is a huge chasm between sanctioned posts and realised posts: ICs in India operate at a reduced capacity or without a Chief Information Commissioner and at times are defunct, according to the NGO Satark Nagarik Sangathan. In a 2022 report, the NGO assessed information on the number of commissioners, the status of appeals and complaints sitting before ICs, and the quantum of penalties. Two commissions (Jharkhand and Tripura) were defunct between 2021 and 2022.

“For the last 29 months, people seeking information from public authorities under the jurisdiction of the Jharkhand SIC have had no recourse to the independent appellate mechanism prescribed under the RTI Act if their right to information is violated,” the report stated. At least six ICs were functioning without a chief officer. Several others did not have the required staff to address a rising number of appeals and complaints; Maharashtra saw a 100% increase in backlog in three years, and it would take approximately five years and three months for the SIC to dispose of these cases. The Central Information Commission, had it appointed three commissioners, might have made some headway with its 26,800+ caseload.

Read full story on The Hindu
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
M. Leelavathy book corner opened in Thrikkakara library

A book corner dedicated to Malayalam literary critic M. Leelavathy inaugurated at Kesari Smaraka Sahrudaya Library in Thrikkakara.

Doctors’ strike hits healthcare services in Manipur

Healthcare services in Imphal disrupted after doctor assault, leading to strike and protests by medical associations in Manipur.

Tamil Nadu govt. to sign MoU with Railways in December for CMRL takeover of MRTS

Tamil Nadu government to sign MoU with Railways for CMRL to take over MRTS by December 2027

Vijayawada Utsav kicks off to a grand start, Gollapudi Exhibition Grounds reopens after 12 years

The Vijayawada Utsav commenced with pomp and gaiety at Punnami Ghat, marking the reopening of the iconic Gollapudi Exhibition Grounds after 12 years, on Monday (September 22, 2025)

Indian Navy scales up indigenous shipbuilding with 54 vessels under construction

Indian Navy's largest-ever shipbuilding program aims to enhance maritime security, self-reliance, and regional cooperation by 2030.

Over 1,000 employees of Electricity Department stage ‘Maha Shanti rally’ in Ongole

Over 1,000 employees of the Electricity Department under the leadership of the A.P. State Power Employees Joint Action Committee (JAC) participated in the Maha Shanti Rally from 132 KV Substation to Collector’s Office in Ongole on Monday.

Police review security atop Indrakeeladri through CCTVs

The police monitored security arrangements through CCTVs on the first day of Dasara utsavams at Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devastanam and other areas in Vijayawada on Monday (September 22, 2025).

Annual Tirupati Tirumala umbrella procession begins

Annual Tirupati Tirumala umbrella procession begins in Chennai, reaching Tirupathi on September 27th, with 11 white silk umbrellas.

Pinarayi Vijayan to attend AIDWA State conference to be held in Marthandam from September 24

The 17th State conference of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) will be conducted from September 24 to 27 in Marthandam

Legal Metrology directs traders to make MRP revisions based on GST reforms

Legal Metrology officials direct manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to adjust MRPs in line with GST reforms for consumer benefit.

₹34.10 lakh compensation disbursed to SC/ST atrocity victims in Dakshina Kannada this year

State government disburses ₹34.10 lakh compensation for SC/ST atrocities in Dakshina Kannada; emphasizes timely implementation of development programs.

Number of polluted river-sites shows slight reduction: CPCB

CPCB report shows decrease in polluted river locations in India, with focus on BOD levels for remediation efforts.

Watch: Dharmendra Pradhan on new H1B rules: Trust India’s universities and youth

Shorts News:Watch: Dharmendra Pradhan on new H1B rules: Trust India’s universities and youth

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Morning Digest: British PM Keir Starmer likely to visit India in October; Jaishankar, Rubio meet amid trade, visa tensions, and more

The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on September 23, 2025.

Nine-year-old sexually assaulted by head of children’s home in Hosur

Nine-year-old girl sexually assaulted at children's home in Hosur, leading to arrests and investigation into cover-up attempts.

One killed, 14 stranded in floodwaters as heavy rains wreak havoc in Maharashtra

Torrential rains in western Maharashtra and Marathwada region cause flooding, one dead, 14 stranded; rescue efforts underway.

Supreme Court assigns CBI plea on Shivakumar case to Justice Kant’s Bench

Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging Karnataka's withdrawal of consent in D.K. Shivakumar assets case led by Justice Surya Kant.

Deputy CM inaugurates training camp; TNUHDB housing units

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurates training camp for Adi Dravidar and Tribal youths, and housing units in Tamil Nadu.

Realising the full potential of GST reforms

Supply side measures are necessary to ensure minimal eff

Minister for retd. army personnel as security supervisors in govt. hospitals

Telangana Health Minister directs government hospitals to appoint retired army personnel as security supervisors for enhanced hospital security.

Chess player R. Vaishali and other sportspersons get postings in government establishments

R. Vaishali appointed to State PSU by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, along with other sportspersons in Tamil Nadu.

Plea in Delhi High Court seeks removal of graves of Afzal Guru, Maqbool Bhatt from Tihar jail premises

Plea seeks removal of graves of executed terrorists from Tihar jail to prevent glorification and maintain public order.

The growing relevance of traditional medicine Premium

Ayurveda Day this year, on September 23, serves as a reminder of the potential for traditional knowledge systems to contribute to a more balanced and sustainable future for people and the planet

Women’s ODI World Cup | Pakistan will look to make a mark in transition phase

Pakistan's journey to the 2025 ICC Women's ODI World Cup, marked by ups and downs, aims for success in Colombo.

Eight scientists from BDU are among top 2% of Stanford University rankings list

Eight Bharathidasan University scientists ranked in top 2% worldwide by Stanford University for their research expertise in various fields.

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us