Central Information Commission (CIC)
Section 12, RTI Act 2005
The Central Information Commission (CIC) is the top RTI appellate body for central (Union) public authorities. It hears second appeals and complaints, and can order disclosure and impose penalties. Full form: Central Information Commission.
The CIC is constituted under Section 12 of the RTI Act and consists of the Chief Information Commissioner and up to ten Information Commissioners. It is the final RTI authority for bodies under the Central Government.
You approach the CIC through a Second Appeal under Section 19(3) (within 90 days) or a complaint under Section 18. The Commission can order the public authority to release the information, impose penalties on the PIO under Section 20, and recommend disciplinary action. Its website is cic.gov.in.
Key points
- Constituted under Section 12; Chief IC + up to 10 Information Commissioners.
- Hears second appeals (Section 19(3)) and complaints (Section 18) for central bodies.
- Can order disclosure, penalise the PIO, and recommend disciplinary action.
- Union Territories without their own Commission route their appeals to the CIC.
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This is a plain-English summary of the Right to Information Act, 2005 for general understanding — educational, not legal advice. For a specific case, the exact wording of the Act and your facts matter.
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