Raj Kumar Goyal Takes Oath as Chief Information Commissioner
What is the news?
Raj Kumar Goyal, former IAS officer, was sworn in as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC).
Oath administered by: President Droupadi Murmu.
After assuming charge, the CIC administered oath to 8 new Information Commissioners.
With these appointments, the Central Information Commission now has its full sanctioned strength for the first time in nine years.
Central Information Commission (CIC)
Constitution & Legal Basis
Established under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
It is a statutory body (not constitutional).
Legal Basis
Section 12 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 provides for the establishment of the Central Information Commission (CIC).
Objective: Effective implementation of the Right to Information and enhancement of transparency and accountability in public authorities.
Composition (Section 12)
One Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)
Not more than ten Information Commissioners (ICs)
Total maximum strength = 11 members
Appointment
Appointed by the President of India.
On recommendation of a committee consisting of:
Prime Minister (Chairperson)
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
Union Cabinet Minister nominated by PM
Tenure
Term: 3 years or till 65 years of age, whichever is earlier
Reappointment: Not allowed
Functions of CIC
Adjudicates complaints and appeals under the RTI Act.
Ensures transparency and accountability in public authorities.
Has powers of a civil court while inquiring into complaints.
Can impose penalties on Public Information Officers (PIOs).
Removal of CIC and Information Commissioners
Authority for Removal
The President of India has the power to remove:
Chief Information Commissioner
Any Information Commissioner
Grounds for Removal Without Supreme Court Reference
The President may remove the CIC or IC if:
Declared insolvent
Convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude
Determination made by the President
Engages in paid employment
Outside official duties
Mental or physical infirmity
President forms the opinion that the person is unfit to continue
Acquires financial or other interests
Likely to prejudicially affect official functions
Removal on Grounds of Proven Misbehavior or Incapacity
Special Procedure
If removal is sought on grounds of:
Proven misbehavior, or
Incapacity
Then:
President must refer the matter to the Supreme Court
Supreme Court conducts an inquiry
If the Supreme Court:
Confirms the grounds, and
Advises removal
President can remove the CIC or IC
This process ensures independence of the Commission and protection from arbitrary executive action.
Prelims Practice MCQ
Q. The President of India must refer the matter to the Supreme Court before removing the Chief Information Commissioner if the removal is sought on which of the following grounds?
Insolvency
Proven misbehavior
Incapacity
Engagement in paid employment outside official duties
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Correct answer: (a)
Explanation
Supreme Court reference is mandatory only for:
✔ Proven misbehavior
✔ Incapacity
Insolvency and paid employment → Direct removal by President, no SC inquiry.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the removal of Information Commissioners:
The President can remove an Information Commissioner for acquiring financial interests prejudicial to official duties.
Removal on grounds of moral turpitude conviction requires prior approval of the Supreme Court.
Mental or physical infirmity can be a ground for removal.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct answer: (a)
Explanation
Statement 1 ✔ Correct: Explicit ground under RTI Act.
Statement 2 ❌ Incorrect: SC approval not required for moral turpitude.
Statement 3 ✔ Correct: Mental/physical infirmity is a valid ground.