Human rights body could function as RTI panel, moots SC, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court suggested that Chairpersons of State Human Rights Commissions could act as Chief Information Commissioners in states with fewer RTI appeals.
• This proposal aims to reduce the burden on the public exchequer by avoiding the creation of new institutions where the workload is low.
• The suggestion was made during the hearing of a petition seeking timely appointments to Information Commissions under the RTI Act.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court's suggestion is an ad-hoc measure to optimize resource allocation in states where the volume of RTI appeals is minimal.
• The court noted that establishing separate Information Commissions in states with low appeal rates places an unnecessary financial strain on taxpayers.
• Petitioners are advocating for transparent appointments to Information Commissions, highlighting concerns about vacancies and delays in filling these positions.
• Combining roles could ensure the continued functionality of Information Commissions while minimizing administrative costs in specific states.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Right to Information (RTI) Act: Legislation that provides citizens access to government-held information.
• Information Commission: An body established under the RTI Act to hear appeals and ensure compliance.
• Human Rights Commission: An organization responsible for investigating and addressing human rights violations.