These concerns were also reiterated in court today by the plaintiff’s attorney.

“Today it takes more than a year for a case to be listed. “This is the scenario and this is also how RTI is being dissolved… Jharkhand has stopped making appeals to information commissions saying it no longer exists.” Advocate Prashant Bhushan told the bench.

The court again sought information about when vacancies in information commissions would be filled.

“Secretaries of State must submit an affidavit stating when the vacancies will be filled and the procedure by which they will be filled. However, if the procedure is not followed as per the established judgment, we will deal with these individual cases.” Judge Kant said.

In particular, the court today also specifically dealt with the situation in Jharkhand.

It recorded the state’s statement that the selection process for SIC members was delayed due to a delay in announcing the Leader of Opposition (LoP) after the June 2024 general elections. The LoP is also a ex officio Member of the committee that decides on the appointment of SIC members.

The court then proposed the following interim regulation so that the selection of SIC members would not be further delayed.

“It is directed that the main opposition party in the Vidhan Sabha (should) nominate one of its elected members as LoP to appoint… Information Commissioner. What is necessary should be done in two weeks. The selection committee will begin the selection process immediately… Let the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand file an affidavit. the court ordered.