Central Information Commission Functions Sections

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is a landmark legislation that empowers citizens to access information from public authorities. A key institution established under this Act is the Central Information Commission (CIC). Understanding the rights and functions of the CIC is essential for grasping how the RTI framework operates.

Key Sections Defining CIC Rights and Functions

The powers and responsibilities of the Central Information Commission are primarily laid out in specific sections of the RTI Act, 2005. These sections detail its operational scope and authority.

• Section 18: Powers and functions of Information Commissions - This section is fundamental as it describes the powers vested in the Information Commissions (both Central and State). It covers their jurisdiction to receive and inquire into complaints from any person who has been unable to submit a request for information to a PIO, or who has been refused information, or who is a appellant who has not received a decision within the stipulated time frame. It also outlines the Commission's authority to investigate matters suo motu.
• Section 19: Appeals - This section deals with the appellate process under the RTI Act. It specifies the procedure for first appeals to senior officers within public authorities and crucially, the second appeal to the Central Information Commission. The CIC's role in hearing and deciding these second appeals, including its powers to review decisions and pass orders, are detailed here.

Context of Other Sections

While Sections 18 and 19 are the core provisions for the CIC's rights and functions, other sections also relate to its operations:

• Section 20 addresses penalties for failing to comply with the provisions of the Act, which the CIC can impose.
• Section 25 discusses the salaries, allowances, and other conditions of service for the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners.

Based on the explicit mention of the Commission's powers and its role in the appellate process, Sections 18 and 19 are the primary sections that define the rights and functions of the Central Information Commission under the RTI Act.