What are the powers and functions of Information Commissions?

1. The Central Information Commission/State Information Commission has a duty to receive complaints from any person - a) who has not been able to submit an information request because a PIO has not been appointed ; b) who has been refused information that was requested c) who has received no response to his/her information request within the specified time limits ; d) who thinks the fees charged are unreasonable e) who thinks information given is incomplete or false or misleading ;and f) any other matter relating to obtaining information under this law. 2. Power to order inquiry if there are reasonable grounds. 3. CIC/SCIC will have powers of Civil Court such as - a) summoning and enforcing attendance of persons, compelling them to give oral or written evidence on oath and to produce documents or things; b) requiring the discovery and inspection of documents; c) receiving evidence on affidavit ; d) requisitioning public records or copies from any court or office e) issuing summons for examination of witnesses or documents f) any other matter which may be prescribed. 4. All records covered by this law (including those covered by exemptions) must be given to CIC/SCIC during inquiry for examination. 5. Power to secure compliance of its decisions from the Public Authority includes- a) providing access to information in a particular form; b)directing the public authority to appoint a PIO/APIO where none exists; c) publishing information or categories of information; d) making necessary changes to the practices relating to management, maintenance and destruction of records ; e) enhancing training provision for officials on RTI; f) seeking an annual report from the public authority on compliance with this law; g) require it to compensate for any loss or other detriment suffered by the applicant ; h) impose penalties under this law; or i) reject the application. (S.18 and S.19)