The Supreme Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to fill the vacant posts of Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners within the next six weeks.
The order came during the hearing of a public interest petition filed by Anjali Bhardwaj, which raised concerns that vacancies in Central and State Information Commissions are not being filled promptly and that appointment processes lack transparency.
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that five posts in Tamil Nadu, including the Chief Information Commissioner, have been vacant since June.
Representing the state, the government’s counsel said the vacancies arose due to retirements and that a selection committee has been formed and procedures have begun. The state sought three months to complete the process.
The bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant declined the request, observing that non-functioning Information Commissions affects people’s rights. It directed Tamil Nadu to complete the appointments within six weeks and submit a compliance certificate, and adjourned the matter.
