Can't regulate calendar/hearing schedule of Central Information Commission: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court recently stated that it cannot direct the Central Information Commission (CIC) on how to regulate its calendar or schedule for hearing applications [Sunil Bagai v. Central Information Commission & Ors].

A petition was filed by one Sunil Bagai seeking directions to the CIC to decide his second appeal expeditiously.

Justice Sachin Datta disposed of the petition stating,

“At the outset, it is observed that it is for the Central Information Commission (CIC) to regulate its own calendar / schedule of hearing. It is not for this Court to issue directions with regard thereto."

However, the Court granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the CIC coram seized of the matter for expeditious hearing.

“Considering the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, liberty is granted to the petitioner to mention the matter before the concerned Bench seized of the matter and request for an expeditious hearing on the aforesaid second appeal. Let an endeavour be made to decide the same as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of eight weeks from today,” the Court stated. 

Accordingly, the petition was disposed of.

Bagai appeared in person.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma and Advocates Laavanya Kaushik and Kyaati Bansal appeared for CIC.

[Read order]