Supreme Court asks Centre, states to expedite steps to fill vacancies in CIC, SICs
The Supreme Court has issued strict directives to the central and state governments to urgently fill vacancies in the Central and State Information Commissions. By mandating swift appointments and demanding detailed status reports, the judiciary is addressing the systemic neglect that has rendered several commissions nearly defunct. This intervention aims to restore the functional capacity of these bodies, ensuring they can effectively adjudicate appeals and handle the growing volume of information requests. The ruling highlights the severe operational paralysis in specific states like Jharkhand, Tripura, and Telangana, where the absence of commissioners has halted the RTI process. The court’s emphasis on completing appointments within short timeframes underscores the critical need for institutional continuity. By rejecting delays based on political or procedural excuses, the judgment reinforces the obligation of governments to prioritize transparency mechanisms over administrative inertia. This development is pivotal for open data and public accountability, as independent Information Commissions serve as the primary enforcement mechanism for the Right to Information Act. Without functional commissions, citizens’ right to access government data remains theoretical, allowing opacity to persist. Strengthening these watchdog bodies ensures that transparency laws are not merely symbolic but are actively upheld, fostering a culture of open governance and preventing the erosion of democratic oversight.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.comPublished on 2024-11-27