Overview The Centre informed the Supreme Court on December 1, 2025 , that a panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet on December 10, 2025 , to select and recommend names for the post of Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and information commissioners of the Central Information Commission . This development comes as the court hears a plea regarding the filling of vacant posts in both the CIC and various State Information Commissions (SICs) , highlighting concerns about the effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act . Background The Right to Information Act, 2005 , empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in governance. The Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs) are key bodies responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of this Act. However, persistent vacancies in these commissions have raised concerns about their ability to function effectively. Key Developments Supreme Court Hearing A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is hearing a plea seeking the filling of vacant posts in the CIC and SICs . Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj , representing the Centre, informed the court about the scheduled meeting of the selection panel. Selection Committee Composition As per Section 12 (3) of the Right to Information Act , the selection committee is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes the leader of the Opposition and a Union Minister nominated by the Prime Minister . This committee is responsible for recommending names for appointment as Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners . State Information Commissions The Supreme Court has directed the chief secretaries of all states to submit details regarding the total strength of SICs , the number of vacant posts, and the number of appeals and complaints pending before these commissions. This information is crucial for assessing the overall functioning and effectiveness of the RTI Act at the state level. Petitioners' Concerns Advocate Prashant Bhushan , representing petitioners including Anjali Bhardwaj , argued that the government's failure to fill vacant posts is leading to a significant backlog of cases before the commissions. He also pointed out that some states, despite making a few appointments, claim they do not need to fill all posts, which raises concerns about the adequate functioning of these bodies. Previous Court Orders Mr. Bhushan highlighted that there have been at least seven comprehensive orders from the court directing the Centre to expedite the filling of vacancies in the CIC and SICs . These repeated directives underscore the court's concern over the persistent delays and their impact on the RTI Act's effectiveness. Previous Developments On November 27, 2025 , the top court deferred the matter after being informed that a selection committee meeting scheduled for October 28, 2025 , could not take place. The court had previously asked Nataraj to consult with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) secretary to ascertain the total vacancies. The court noted that states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal , and Karnataka have largely filled vacancies, while Chhattisgarh is expected to fill vacancies within six weeks. On October 27, 2025 , the court declined to direct public disclosure of shortlisted candidates for the CIC posts. Challenges and Concerns Backlog of Cases Mr. Bhushan alleged that governments are effectively undermining the RTI Act by allowing information commissions to become defunct. He noted that the CIC is currently without its chief, and eight out of ten posts of information commissioners are vacant, leading to a backlog of nearly 30,000 cases . Delayed Selection Process Activist Bhardwaj and others have argued that despite the Supreme Court's directions in 2019 to fill posts in the CIC and SICs , states have delayed the selection process, effectively undermining the RTI Act . The court has repeatedly emphasized the need for timely appointments to these transparency watchdogs. UPSC Relevance This news is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly for GS Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International relations) . It touches upon important aspects of transparency, accountability, and the functioning of statutory bodies. Understanding the challenges faced by the CIC and SICs is crucial for aspirants. Key Issues for UPSC The importance of the Right to Information Act in promoting good governance. The role and functions of the Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions . Challenges in the effective implementation of the RTI Act , including delays in appointments and backlog of cases. The impact of vacancies in key positions on the functioning of statutory bodies.