The Information Commission is set to resume its appeal hearings from November 16 after a suspension lasting nearly two years. The resumption is expected to restore public confidence in the Right to Information (RTI) mechanism, which has remained largely inactive during the hiatus.

Background of the suspension

Hearings at the commission had remained effectively stalled since 2024. During this period, a total of 917 complaints piled up at the commission, all of which are now awaiting disposal. Sources at the commission confirmed that preparations have been completed and regular hearings will commence from the scheduled date.

Plans for district-level expansion

The commission has also adopted a plan to open offices at the district level starting next year. This initiative is expected to make the RTI process more accessible to citizens in remote areas, expediting both applications and appeals related to information requests.

Significance of the move

Under the Right to Information Act, 2009, the commission is mandated to adjudicate appeals and complaints against public and private authorities for failing to provide information. The prolonged suspension had left many applicants in distress. With hearings resuming, stakeholders hope that the backlog of complaints will now be cleared swiftly.