New Delhi: As many as 1998 complaint cases and 9764 appeals were pending with Odisha State Information Commission (SIC) till January 18, the state government admitted in the Supreme Court.
In an affidavit filed in the apex court, the Odisha government also stated that in the year 2018, only 522 complaints and 2500 appeals were disposed of.
Following the admission of the state government, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice AK Sikri and Justice S Abdul Nazeer had directed it to create more posts of Information Commissioner in the state.
“It shows that there is a necessity for more Information Commissioners and to begin with, at least, three more posts of Information Commissioners should be created. We are, therefore, of the opinion that the state government should immediately consider creating more posts of Information Commissioners. Decision in this behalf shall be taken by the state government within one month and the newly created posts shall be filled up within four months,” the bench observed.
The apex court also observed that the strength of Odisha SIC is one CSIC and three Information Commissioner. One post of Information Commissioner is lying vacant since May 27, 2015. It is further stated that advertisement for filling up of these posts is issued and the last date for receipt of the application was January 31.