The J&K High Court has emphasized the need for the Central Information Commission to expedite RTI appeal resolutions, addressing long-standing backlogs.
J&K High Court Calls for Expedited RTI Appeal Resolutions
In a recent ruling, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court addressed the delay in resolving RTI appeals, underscoring that the Central Information Commission (CIC) cannot keep appeals pending for extended durations. The court's observations stemmed from the case of Junaid Javid Vs Union of India, highlighting the imperative for the CIC to streamline its processes and reduce backlogs.
The division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani, remarked that while the Right to Information Act does not specify a deadline for the resolution of second appeals and complaints, the CIC must take proactive measures to improve its functioning and efficiency.
This assertion is crucial in fostering public accountability and transparency, reiterating the role of the judiciary in facilitating access to information. Legal professionals working in transparency and civil rights advocacy should closely observe how this directive influences the increasingly critical role of RTI in governance.
Citations
- Junaid Javid V/s Union of India (2026) Not Published
