"Central Information Commission stands as the guardian of democracy, with an unwavering relevance to good governance." Justify the contest in terms of the mandate of the CIC. Has the statutory status limited the effectiveness of the commission in recent times?

Central Information Commission is the flagbearer of the sunrise Act, Right to Information and ensures PIDs disburse information to public on time. CIC - guardian of democracy + ensures good governance. (1) ensures transparency and accountability in governance, (2) reserves cases in favour of democratic and constitutional principles, (3) time bound service delivery is due mandate of RTI - CIC upholds it, (4) CIC can even waive off marginal fee if filling RTI, in case of a body person. Knocking on its door for justice delivery.

body person, knocking on its door for justice delivery. (5) Acts as Grievance Redressal body above the ICs. (6) ensures RTI act is upheld in letter and spirit. Mandate of CIC: (1) lost into cases by delay of information giving by PIUs, (2) close check on ICis and their judgements, (3) gives its opinion on what is a public authority under sector 8(1) of RTI Act AU-, (4) ensures timely reply of RTI by taking action against erring PIUs. (5) Guardian of the RTI act and on the environment

Issues with it - due to lack of constitutional status: (1) Its judgements arent taken seriously. Ex-94 recommended that Bill cal Parties should come under RTS-didnt happen. (2) Huge pendency - 2.2 lakh cases are pending with CIC as per an RTI reply. (3) lack of technological upgradation relies on outdated means of enquiry. (4) lock investigation functions- Thus, to ensure RTI is able to work in letter and spirit, there is need to give CIC all powers of a High Court.