Recent Developments in the Central Information Commission (CIC)

 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.

 

Recent CIC news 2025

 

 

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.

 

 

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

 

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).

 

 

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.

 

 

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

 

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.

 

To read more articles: https://esseindia.com/

 

To read the full article: https://esseindia.com/developments-in-the-central-information-commission/

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