Which one of the following sections of RTI Act, 2005, gives power to t

Which one of the following sections of RTI Act, 2005, gives power to the Central Information Commission to require the concerned public authority to compensate the complainant for any loss or other detriment suffered?

Section 17(1)(a)
Section 19(8)(b)
Section 22(4)(a)
Section 24(3)(b)
This question was previously asked in
UPSC SO-Steno – 2018
The correct answer is B. Section 19(8)(b) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, empowers the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission to require the concerned public authority to compensate the complainant for any loss or detriment suffered.
– Section 19 of the RTI Act deals with appeals to the Information Commissions (CIC/SIC).
– Sub-section (8) lists the powers and functions of the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission while deciding an appeal.
– Clause (b) of Section 19(8) provides the Commission with the power to “require the public authority to compensate the complainant for any loss or other detriment suffered”.
Other powers listed in Section 19(8) include requiring the public authority to take steps for compliance with the Act, providing access to information, appointing a CPIO, publishing information, receiving a report on steps taken, and imposing penalties under Section 20. The power to award compensation is a means to address grievances where denial of information or delay has caused harm or loss to the applicant.