The Central Information Commission (CIC) holds a critical position in India’s democratic framework, serving as the final appellate authority under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. By ensuring public access to information held by government bodies, the CIC plays a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment. Over the past year, the CIC has been at the center of significant legal, administrative, and policy developments that are shaping its future and the broader RTI ecosystem.
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1. New Leadership at the Helm: Heeralal Samariya Appointed Chief Information Commissioner
A major highlight in the recent history of the CIC was the appointment of Heeralal Samariya as the new Chief Information Commissioner on November 6, 2023. A seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Samariya brings decades of governance experience to the commission. Prior to this role, he served in various leadership capacities, including Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
His appointment is not only significant for his administrative credentials but also because he is the first Dalit to lead the commission. His tenure, set to run until September 13, 2025, has been welcomed as a step toward greater inclusivity and representation in key constitutional roles.
Samariya’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the CIC’s functioning, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, faster grievance redressal, and enforcement of Section 4 of the RTI Act (which mandates proactive disclosure of information).
2. Supreme Court Reasserts CIC’s Institutional Autonomy
In a landmark ruling in July 2024, the Supreme Court of India underscored the institutional independence of the Central Information Commission. The court clarified that the CIC has the legal authority to:
- Constitute benches as required
- Frame its own internal regulations and procedures
- Operate without external interference from the executive
This affirmation came amid rising concerns that the independence of the CIC was being compromised by delays in appointments and growing executive control. The apex court’s judgment reestablished that the commission, being a quasi-judicial body, must be free to function without undue influence to preserve public trust in the RTI framework.
The verdict also instructed the government to refrain from delaying key appointments and urged greater transparency in the selection process of Information Commissioners.
3. RTI Act Faces New Challenges Under Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act
One of the more controversial developments impacting the CIC and RTI users alike is the enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. While this new law aims to regulate the use of personal data and enhance privacy, it has inadvertently altered the Right to Information Act, 2005—particularly Section 8(1)(j).
Previously, this section allowed authorities to reject RTI requests only if the requested personal information had no connection to public interest or was an unwarranted invasion of privacy. However, under the DPDP Act, the threshold for protecting personal data has increased, making it harder for citizens to obtain information about public officials, including their conduct, salaries, or corruption-related records.
Transparency activists have criticized these amendments, arguing that they undermine the very foundation of the RTI Act. The CIC now faces the challenging task of balancing the individual’s right to privacy with the public’s right to know, especially when dealing with RTI requests involving public servants.
4. Supreme Court Orders Timely Appointments to CIC and SICs
The CIC has been operating under serious constraints due to vacancies in key positions. In early 2025, a petition filed by transparency advocates led the Supreme Court to intervene and demand a timeline from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for completing the selection and appointment process of Information Commissioners.
The court noted that undue delays were crippling the effectiveness of both the CIC and State Information Commissions (SICs), resulting in rising backlogs and long waiting periods for RTI applicants.
The ruling has added pressure on the Union Government to accelerate the selection process, ensure fair representation (including of women and minorities), and maintain the statutory strength of the commission.
5. CIC Cracks Down on Mishandling of RTI Requests
In December 2024, the CIC issued a strong reprimand to a former Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) for gross mishandling of an RTI application. The case revealed multiple procedural violations:
- The applicant was denied relevant documents without valid justification
- The CPIO ignored statutory deadlines
- No adequate reasoning was provided for the refusal
In its final order, the CIC expressed “grave displeasure” and directed the concerned public authority to take corrective measures and improve internal RTI handling procedures. This case exemplifies the need for robust training of PIOs and increased accountability for non-compliance.
It also underscores the CIC’s role in protecting citizens from administrative apathy and upholding the sanctity of the RTI Act.
6. Transparency Audit 2025: Improving Proactive Disclosure
The CIC, in coordination with the Department of Personnel and Training, launched the Transparency Audit 2025 to assess how effectively public authorities are adhering to Section 4 of the RTI Act.
This section mandates that government institutions proactively publish information related to their organizational structure, financial transactions, decision-making processes, and more—without requiring a formal RTI request.
As part of this audit:
- Departments are being ranked based on disclosure performance
- A standardized self-assessment format has been introduced
- Ministries and agencies are required to update their websites with RTI-related content
The move is aimed at reducing the number of RTI applications by making information more accessible to the public. It also aligns with the broader vision of creating an “open government” ecosystem.
7. Digital Push: Modernizing CIC’s Operations
Under Heeralal Samariya’s leadership, the CIC is undergoing a digital transformation. Key initiatives include:
- Expansion of the e-filing portal for RTI appeals and complaints
- Integration of video conferencing to facilitate virtual hearings
- Introduction of e-notices and SMS alerts to improve communication with appellants
These changes are intended to reduce logistical delays, enhance access for citizens in remote areas, and improve overall efficiency.
The commission is also exploring the use of AI-based tools to assist in tracking appeals, flagging urgent cases, and identifying repetitive information requests to improve service delivery.
8. Rising Backlogs and Call for Structural Reforms
Despite these positive developments, the CIC continues to face the longstanding issue of case backlogs. With tens of thousands of pending appeals and complaints, applicants often wait 6 months to 2 years for their cases to be heard.
Experts suggest several reforms:
- Increasing the number of commissioners to match the caseload
- Setting strict timelines for decision-making
- Empowering the commission to enforce its orders more stringently
- Improving training for PIOs to ensure compliance with RTI norms
Public pressure is mounting for these changes, as the credibility of the RTI framework depends on timely redressal of citizen grievances.
9. Growing Awareness and Use of RTI by Citizens
One positive trend observed is the growing public engagement with the RTI system. Civil society organizations, journalists, students, and ordinary citizens are increasingly using the RTI Act to seek answers on:
- Budgetary spending
- Welfare schemes implementation
- Recruitment processes in public institutions
- Environmental clearances and land acquisitions
This growing awareness has placed more responsibility on the CIC to maintain a responsive, citizen-centric approach in handling appeals.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for CIC
The Central Information Commission stands at a crucial crossroads. While it continues to uphold the citizens’ right to information, it must also adapt to new challenges—from legislative changes and privacy laws to increasing digital demands and administrative hurdles.
Recent developments such as the appointment of a new Chief, judicial support for its independence, and efforts to improve digital access mark a positive shift. However, structural reforms, faster case resolution, and enhanced transparency mechanisms are needed to fully realize the vision of the RTI Act.
As India’s citizens become more assertive about their rights, the CIC must evolve into a more agile, tech-enabled, and people-friendly institution. The coming years will determine how effectively it can maintain the delicate balance between transparency and privacy, and continue serving as a beacon of open governance.
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