Consider the following statements in the context of the Central Information Commission (CIC):

1. The CIC was first constituted as an executive body and later given the statutory status.

2. While inquiring, the commission has the powers of a civil court.

3. It can take disciplinary actions against the errant official.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Solution

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. Hence statement 1 is not correct. • The powers and functions of the Central Information Commission are: o It is the duty of the Commission to receive and inquire into a complaint from any person who has been refused information, not been able to submit application due to non-appointment of PIO, etc. o It can order an inquiry into any matter if there are reasonable grounds (suo-moto power). o While inquiring, the commission has the powers of a civil court. Hence statement 2 is correct. o all public records must be given to the Commission during inquiry for examination o seeking an annual report from the public authority on compliance with this Act; o imposing penalties under this Act. It can impose a penalty on the Public Information Officer (PIO) at the rate of ₹250 per day up to a maximum of ₹25,000. o It can also recommend (cannot initiate by itself) for disciplinary action against the errant official. Hence statement 3 is not correct