'CIC has powers to frame laws, set up benches'

THE Supreme Court has said that the Central Information Commission (CIC) has the powers to constitute benches and frame regulations to ensure quick disposal and reduce workload or volume of cases.

- SUCHITRA KALYAN MOHANTY

A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma in its ruling recently, said "The autonomy and independence of CIC and administrative bodies are fundamental to their ability to perform their designated functions effectively."

The apex court passed the ruling, after examining whether the CIC, under the RTI (Right to Information) Act, has the authority to constitute benches of its own and frame regulations for the effective management and allocation of work within the commission, including the issuance of orders and the formation of committees.