The Central Information Commission: jurisdiction over all Central Public Authorities, and decisions that are final and binding

National Institution Polity & Governance

The Central Information Commission: jurisdiction over all Central Public Authorities, and decisions that are final and binding

Background

The Central Information Commission has been constituted with effect from 12-10-2005 under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The jurisdiction of the Commission extends over all Central Public Authorities. The Commission states that it has certain powers and functions mentioned in sections 18, 19, 20 and 25 of the RTI Act, 2005, and that these broadly relate to adjudication in second appeal for giving information; direction for record keeping and suo motu disclosures; receiving and enquiring into a complaint on inability to file an application for information; imposition of penalties; and Monitoring and Reporting including preparation of an Annual Report. The decisions of the Commission are final and binding.

Constituted with effect from: 12-10-2005 Statute: Right to Information Act, 2005 Jurisdiction: All Central Public Authorities Powers and functions from: Sections 18, 19, 20 and 25 of the RTI Act, 2005 Status of its decisions: Final and binding

Why it matters for exams: The commencement date, the four sections that carry the Commission's powers, and the finality of its decisions are the facts that separate the Commission from the Act itself in exam questions.

Kerala PSCUPSCSSC

8 October 2026 Source: Central Information Commission

In plain words

Second appeal Second appeal under the RTI Act — The appeal that lies to the Information Commission after the First Appellate Authority within the public authority has decided.

Suo motu Suo motu disclosure — Information a public authority publishes on its own, without waiting for an application.