Chief Information Commissioner Has Power To Form Benches & Frame Regulations For Smooth Functioning Of Central Information Commission

The Supreme Court ruled that the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) holds the authority to form benches and frame regulations for the efficient functioning of the Central Information Commission (CIC) under Section 12(4) of the RTI Act, 2005. This decision overturned the Delhi High Court's judgment, which had nullified the CIC's power to constitute benches, stating the RTI Act did not explicitly grant such authority. The court emphasized the need for administrative bodies to have operational autonomy and interpreted the RTI Act to allow broad managerial powers for effective case disposal and transparency.