Supreme Court declines plea to disclose CIC shortlist, government to finalise names in three weeks

The Supreme Court has dismissed petitions demanding the public disclosure of shortlisted candidates for the Central Information Commission (CIC). The court stated that making the list public is not mandatory and has directed the Union government to finalise appointments within three weeks. This development brings clarity to a long-pending process that has faced scrutiny over transparency and delay.

The CIC plays a vital role in ensuring citizens’ right to information under the RTI Act. For months, vacancies in the Commission have affected the pace of case hearings, leading to growing public concern. Petitioners argued that transparency in the selection process is essential to maintain public trust and accountability. However, the court maintained that such disclosures fall within the government’s administrative discretion.

According to the bench, judicial interference should remain limited unless there is a clear violation of constitutional or statutory provisions. The ruling reinforces the balance between administrative autonomy and judicial oversight in appointments to key public institutions. The court also emphasized that the selection process should be completed without unnecessary delay to restore the CIC’s full functional capacity.

The government, meanwhile, has assured that the process is in its final stage and that the new appointments will help clear the backlog of pending appeals and complaints. For citizens, especially those in smaller towns and Tier 2 cities who rely heavily on RTI for accessing local governance information, a fully staffed CIC could significantly improve the system’s efficiency.

Experts note that while the court’s decision aligns with procedural norms, it highlights a recurring issue — the need for timely appointments in information commissions across the country. A transparent and efficient system not only strengthens democracy but also builds confidence among ordinary citizens seeking accountability from public offices.

Conclusion:
With the Supreme Court setting a three-week deadline, attention now shifts to the government’s final decision on the new CIC appointments. The move is expected to restore momentum to the country’s transparency framework and ensure that the Right to Information continues to serve as a cornerstone of public participation in governance.