Write a short note on Utility of Central Information Commission in 100 words.

Utility of the Central Information Commission (CIC):

Constituted in 2005 under the Right to Information Act, 2005, the CIC serves as the supreme appellate watchdog ensuring transparency in central public authorities:

• Adjudicating Second Appeals (Section 19): Serves as the final quasi-judicial forum against wrongful denial, redaction, or delayed RTI responses by central ministries, armed forces, banks, and PSUs.
• Inquiry and Suo-Motu Scrutiny (Section 18): Inquires into public grievances regarding non-appointment of CPIOs and procedural blockades with Civil Court powers.
• Enforcing Deterrence (Section 20): Imposes financial penalties (up to ₹25,000) on defaulting CPIOs and recommends disciplinary action.
• Promoting Proactive Disclosure (Section 4): Directs public authorities to digitize records and publish operational data proactively.
• Promoting Democratic Accountability: Uncovers systemic irregularities, enabling investigative journalism, social audits, and citizen-led vigilance.