Centre and States Directed to Fill Information Commissioner Vacancies: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court directed the Central and State governments to complete the appointment process for Information Commissioners within three weeks.

The bench issued the direction while hearing a plea highlighting numerous vacancies in Central and State Information Commissions. Petitioners alleged opacity in the selection process and sought the disclosure of the names of shortlisted candidates.

The Court, however, rejected this request, noting that the 2019 Anjali Bharadwaj judgment had already established clear transparency guidelines. 

Justice Kant stated that the Court had “no reason to doubt” the Centre’s adherence to these norms. The matter was scheduled for further hearing on November 17 after a compliance review.