Context:

The Supreme Court upheld Central Information Commission (CIC) has powers to constitute benches and frame regulation.

More on the news

• The Supreme Court said that the autonomy and independence of administrative bodies are fundamental to their ability to perform their designated functions effectively.
• The Chief Information Commissioner's power to frame regulations pertaining to the constitution of benches of the commission are upheld as such powers are within the ambit of Section 12(4) of the Right to Information Act.
• This decision strengthens the CIC's ability to manage its workload and fulfill its role under the Right to Information Act.

Background:

• The Delhi High Court, quashed the Central Information Commission (Management) Regulations, 2007, framed by the Chief Information Commissioner (CICs) and held that the CIC has no power to constitute benches of the commission.

About Central Information Commission (CIC)

• It was established by the Central Government in 2005. Under the Right to Information Act (2005), Thus it is not a constitutional body.

• It consists of a Chief Information Commissioner (CICs) and not more than ten information commissioners (ICs).

Appointment: 

• The Chief Information Commissioner and its information Commissioner are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
• • CICs and ICs shall hold office for a period of three years.
• • The jurisdiction of the Commission extends over all Central Public Authorities.