January 22, 2026

RTI Decisions Archive Search CIC Judgments & Cite Precedents to Win Your Case

RTI Decisions Archive: Search CIC Judgments & Cite Precedents to Win Your Case description: "The ultimate 24x7 guide to the Central Information Commission (CIC) Decisions Archive. Learn how to search for past judgments, cite precedents to stop CPIOs from rejecting your RTI, and access the digital library of transparency." date: 2026-01-13 author: Resources Desk | Sansad Online tags: [RTI Decisions, CIC Judgments, Central Information Commission, RTI Act Section 8, Shailesh Gandhi, Precedent Search, Transparency]

⚖️ 24x7 Resource: RTI Decisions Archive (CIC)

The Precedent Hub

Access the case laws that force the government to speak.

  • Official Archive: dsscic.nic.in
  • Main Website: cic.gov.in
  • Key Tool: Citation Search.
  • Motto: "Sunlight is the Best Disinfectant."
🏛️ PRO HACK: When a Public Information Officer (PIO) rejects your RTI saying "Data not available in this format," don't argue. Quote CIC Decision No. CIC/SG/A/2012/000213, which states that a PIO cannot refuse information just because it requires collation. Watch how quickly the reply changes.

Introduction: The Power of "Case Law"

(Why You Need to Read Past Decisions)

The Right to Information Act, 2005 is powerful, but government officers (PIOs) are experts at finding loopholes. They frequently reject applications citing:

  • Section 8(1)(j): "This is personal information." (The most abused clause).
  • Section 8(1)(d): "This harms commercial confidence."
  • "Missing Files": "We cannot find the file."

How do you fight this? You use Precedents.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) is the supreme appellate body for central RTIs. Its decisions are quasi-judicial. This means if the CIC ruled in 2011 that "Answer Sheets of Exams are Public Info," then every university in India must follow that rule today.

By attaching a relevant CIC decision to your RTI application or First Appeal, you signal to the officer: "I know the law. If you reject this, you will lose at the Commission."

This "24x7 Resource Page" guides you through the messy but vital CIC archive. We will teach you how to find judgments that support your specific query—whether it's about road contracts, answer sheets, or corruption complaints.

🔍 How to Search the Archive (dsscic.nic.in)

The CIC search portal is notoriously difficult to use if you don't know the tricks.

Method 1: The "Free Text" Search (Best for Keywords)

  • Go to: dsscic.nic.in/citation-search-decision
  • Select: "Search by Free Text."
  • Keyword Strategy:
    • If asking for a copy of an FIR, type: "FIR copy third party"
    • If asking for Answer Sheets, type: "evaluated answer script"
    • If asking for Road Contracts, type: "measurement book PWD"
  • Result: You will get a list of PDF orders. Look for orders labeled "Allowed" (meaning the citizen won).

Method 2: Search by Commissioner

  • Some Commissioners were famous for pro-citizen rulings (e.g., Shailesh Gandhi or Sridhar Acharyulu).
  • You can filter decisions by their names to find high-quality, articulate judgments that explain the law beautifully.

🏛️ 5 Landmark CIC Decisions You Must Know

Keep these decision numbers handy. They cover 90% of rejection scenarios.

1. The "Answer Sheet" Case (Supreme Court vs. CIC)

  • Context: Can a student see their exam paper?
  • Verdict: The Supreme Court (upholding CIC) ruled in Aditya Bandopadhyay case that an answer sheet is "information" and the student has a right to verify their marks.
  • Use this when: A university or exam board refuses to show your paper.

2. The "File Notings" Case

  • Context: Can you see the handwritten notes of officers?
  • Verdict: The CIC has repeatedly ruled (e.g., Pyare Lal Verma vs. Ministry of Railways) that file notings are integral to the decision-making process and are not exempt.
  • Use this when: The PIO gives you the final order but hides who made the decision.

3. The "Missing File" Case (Om Prakash vs. GNCTD)

  • Context: PIO says "The file is lost/untraceable."
  • Verdict: The CIC ruled that a "Missing File" is a sign of inefficiency or corruption. The department must file an FIR for the lost file and provide a copy of the FIR to the applicant.
  • Use this when: The department tries to play dead.

4. The "Income Tax Returns" (ITR) Case (Girish Ramchandra Deshpande)

  • The Exception: This is a negative precedent. The Supreme Court (upholding CIC) ruled that ITRs of a third party (even a public servant) are Personal Information and cannot be disclosed unless a "Larger Public Interest" is proven.
  • Note: Don't file RTIs asking for someone's ITR; they will be rejected citing this case.

5. The "Private Schools/Hospitals" Case

  • Context: Do private bodies come under RTI?
  • Verdict: The CIC ruled that if a private body receives "Substantial Funding" (e.g., cheap land or grants) from the government, it is a "Public Authority" and must answer RTIs.

⚖️ CIC vs. SIC (State Information Commissions)

Remember jurisdiction.

  • CIC: Covers Central Ministries (Railways, Post, PMO, Delhi Govt, UTs).
  • SIC: Covers State Departments (UP Police, Maharashtra PWD, Karnataka Schools).

Can I cite a CIC judgment in a State RTI? Technically, No. A CIC judgment is binding only on Central bodies. Practically, Yes. State Information Commissioners respect the wisdom of the CIC. If you quote a strong CIC ruling, the State Commissioner is likely to agree with the logic ("Persuasive Value").

📝 How to Cite a Decision in Your Application

You don't need to be a lawyer. Just add a line at the end of your RTI request.

Template:

"Note: In the case of [Name vs. Name] (Decision No. XYZ dated 12.01.2015), the Hon'ble CIC held that [Quote the rule]. Therefore, the requested information should not be denied under Section 8."

Your legal library:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What if the PIO ignores the CIC order?

This is "Non-Compliance."

  • Action: You must file a "Non-Compliance Complaint" with the CIC.
  • Result: The CIC can summon the officer and impose a penalty of up to ₹25,000 (deducted from their salary). This fear usually makes them comply.

Q2. How long does a CIC appeal take?

Sadly, it is slow. Due to vacancies, a Second Appeal at the CIC can take 1 to 2 years to be heard. This is the biggest weakness of the system.

Q3. Can I appear for the hearing online?

Yes. Most CIC hearings are now conducted via Video Conferencing (NIC Studios or Audio Call). You don't need to travel to Delhi.

Q4. Are CIC decisions final?

No. The PIO (or you) can challenge a CIC decision in the High Court via a Writ Petition. However, departments rarely go to court unless the matter involves major policy issues.

Q5. Who appoints the Information Commissioners?

A committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, and a Cabinet Minister. This high-level appointment is meant to ensure their independence.

Bookmark this page. The law is not just what is written in the Act; it is what the Judges say it is.