The Central Information Commission (CIC) continues to be a vital institution in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in India. As the apex body responsible for implementing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the CIC plays a critical role in ensuring that citizens can access public information and hold authorities accountable. In April 2025, several key developments have taken place that reflect both the progress and challenges facing the RTI framework in India.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the major updates from the CIC, highlighting their implications for governance, judicial oversight, and citizen empowerment.
1. Transparency Audit 2025: Reinforcing Proactive Disclosure
On April 8, 2025, the CIC announced the commencement of the Transparency Audit 2025, a nationwide initiative to assess proactive disclosures by public authorities under Section 4 of the RTI Act. The primary objective of this audit is to encourage government departments to voluntarily publish relevant information, reducing dependency on individual RTI applications.
This move signifies the CIC’s dedication to fostering a culture of openness within public institutions. By ensuring that critical data and policies are readily available, the audit aims to bridge the information gap between the government and the people. The results of this audit are expected to guide departments in improving their disclosure practices.
2. Self-Appraisal Report for 2023–2024: Measuring Institutional Performance
Earlier this month, the CIC released its self-appraisal report for the financial year 2023–2024. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Commission’s operations, including statistics on appeals and complaints received, disposed of, and pending.
The report showcases the Commission’s effectiveness in addressing RTI-related grievances, while also drawing attention to areas needing improvement, such as delays in disposing of cases and systemic bottlenecks. The data provided serves as a useful tool for internal evaluation and public accountability.
3. Supreme Court Intervenes in CIC Vacancies
One of the most pressing concerns in April 2025 has been the issue of prolonged vacancies within the CIC and various State Information Commissions (SICs). Eight of the ten positions for Information Commissioners at the CIC remain vacant, leading to a massive backlog of over 23,000 pending appeals.
The Supreme Court has taken serious note of this issue and has directed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to submit an affidavit detailing the steps being taken to fill these vacancies. The Court emphasized that delays in appointments undermine the efficacy of the RTI mechanism and infringe upon citizens’ rights to timely access to information.
4. Debate Over Disclosure of Supreme Court Judges’ Email IDs
A significant ruling by the CIC came on March 27, 2025, regarding a petition seeking the disclosure of the official email addresses of Supreme Court judges. Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya upheld the Supreme Court’s Public Information Officer’s (CPIO) decision to deny this request, citing Sections 8(1)(g) and 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.
These sections pertain to exemptions related to personal information and potential risks to individual safety. The decision has stirred public discourse about the fine balance between transparency and privacy, particularly in the judiciary. It has also brought attention to the broader question of what constitutes legitimate public interest under the RTI framework.
5. Gujarat High Court Stays CIC Order on ‘Agreed List’
Another major development involves the Gujarat High Court’s decision to stay a CIC order dated January 16, 2025. This order had instructed the disclosure of the ‘Agreed List’ — a confidential list of government officials under watch for alleged misconduct.
The High Court intervened, expressing concern over the potential repercussions of making such sensitive information public. This case underscores the ongoing tension between ensuring transparency and safeguarding confidential administrative processes. It also highlights the judiciary’s role in interpreting the scope and limits of the RTI Act.
6. Infrastructure and Human Resources Strengthening
In a bid to improve internal operations, the CIC issued a call for tenders on April 17, 2025, for the maintenance of its building and infrastructure. This reflects a broader institutional effort to create a more efficient and professional working environment.
Furthermore, the Commission announced new recruitment and internship programs to bolster its human resources. By attracting skilled professionals and young talent, the CIC aims to address capacity gaps and enhance its ability to process information requests and appeals more effectively.
7. Supreme Court Affirms CIC’s Delegated Powers
In a notable ruling, the Supreme Court confirmed that the CIC holds the authority to delegate inquiry responsibilities to committees established under its jurisdiction. The Court affirmed that the CIC possesses comprehensive powers of superintendence, management, and direction under the RTI Act.
This legal recognition strengthens the institutional autonomy of the CIC and allows it to adopt innovative methods for handling the growing volume of RTI cases, ensuring greater administrative flexibility and responsiveness.
8. Broader Issues in RTI Implementation
Beyond the developments in the CIC, the state of RTI implementation across India reveals systemic challenges. Several State Information Commissions — including those in Tripura, Jharkhand, and Telangana — are either defunct or severely understaffed due to prolonged vacancies. This has effectively paralyzed the RTI mechanism in those regions.
Despite repeated reminders from the Supreme Court, the central and state governments have been slow in addressing these gaps. Moreover, the continuing trend of appointing retired bureaucrats as Information Commissioners has drawn criticism for limiting diversity and impartiality in decision-making. The need for professionals from legal, academic, media, and civil society backgrounds remains unmet, in contradiction to the spirit of the 2019 Supreme Court ruling encouraging such diversity.
Conclusion
April 2025 has been a month of substantial activity for the Central Information Commission, marked by critical reforms, judicial interventions, and administrative initiatives. From launching a comprehensive transparency audit to confronting legal controversies over sensitive disclosures, the CIC remains at the forefront of shaping India’s transparency landscape.
However, persistent challenges such as institutional vacancies, judicial scrutiny, and resistance to information disclosure reveal that much work still lies ahead. As the CIC continues to evolve and adapt, its role in empowering citizens and strengthening democratic governance remains more important than ever.
By ensuring the timely and impartial application of the RTI Act, the Central Information Commission holds the key to a more transparent, responsive, and accountable government. The developments in April 2025 reflect not just the Commission’s efforts, but also the urgent need for systemic reforms to uphold the fundamental right to information in India.
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