UPSC Combined Section Officer Archives

Consider the following statements :
While inquiring into a complaint, Information Commissions have the power

1. to receive evidence on affidavit.
2. to requisition any public records or copies thereof from any court or office.
3. to issue summons for examination of witnesses or documents.

Which of the above statements are correct ?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

Download PDF Attempt Online

Section 18(3) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 grants the Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions the powers of a civil court while inquiring into complaints or appeals. These powers are equivalent to those of a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 in respect of specific matters listed in the section.
Statement 1: Section 18(3)(c) explicitly grants the power “to receive evidence on affidavit.” This statement is correct.
Statement 2: Section 18(3)(d) explicitly grants the power “to requisition any public record or copies thereof from any court or office.” This statement is correct.
Statement 3: Section 18(3)(e) explicitly grants the power “to issue summons for examination of witnesses or documents.” This statement is correct.
Since all three listed powers are indeed held by the Information Commissions, all statements are correct.

– Information Commissions (CIC and SIC) have powers of a civil court under Section 18(3) of the RTI Act.
– These powers include summoning individuals, compelling evidence, receiving evidence on affidavit, requisitioning public records, and issuing summons.

These quasi-judicial powers are essential for the Information Commissions to effectively inquire into complaints and appeals, gather necessary information, and ensure compliance with the provisions of the RTI Act by public authorities.