Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a selection committee meeting (Dec 2025) to finalize the appointment of the next Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and 8 Information Commissioners.
Central Information Commission (CIC):
- Status: It is a Statutory Body, not a Constitutional body.
- Established under: Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
- Mandate: To act as the final appellate authority for RTI applicants who are denied information by central public authorities.
Composition & Appointment
- Structure: Consists of 1 Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and not more than 10 Information Commissioners (ICs).
- Appointed By: The President of India.
- Selection Committee: Recommendations are made by a high-powered committee consisting of:
- Prime Minister (Chairperson)
- Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha (or leader of the single largest opposition party)
- Union Cabinet Minister (nominated by the PM)
Tenure & Service Conditions (The 2019 Twist)
- Term: They hold office for such term as prescribed by the Central Government or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- Current Rule: As per RTI Rules 2019, the tenure is fixed at 3 Years. (Previously, it was 5 years in the 2005 Act).
- Reappointment: The CIC is not eligible for reappointment.
- Note: An Information Commissioner can be elevated to CIC, but their total tenure (IC + CIC) cannot exceed 5 years.
Removal Mechanism
The President can remove the CIC or any IC from office under the following conditions:
- Grounds: Insolvency, conviction of an offense involving moral turpitude, engaging in paid employment outside duties, or infirmity of mind/body.
- For Misbehavior/Incapacity: The President must refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an inquiry. If the SC upholds the charges, the President can remove them.
Powers & Functions
- Civil Court Powers: While inquiring into a matter, the CIC has the powers of a civil court (summoning persons, requiring documents, etc.).
- Suo Motu Power: Can initiate an inquiry on its own if there are reasonable grounds (e.g., non-appointment of PIOs).
- Binding Decisions: The decisions of the Commission on appeals are binding.
