Information Access and State Management Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Who holds the general superintendence, direction, and management of the State Information Commission?

The State Information Commissioners
The State Chief Information Commissioner (correct)
The Indian Parliament
The State Government

What qualifications are required for the State Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioners?

Must have knowledge in law, science, and technology (correct)
Must be an experienced politician
Must be a registered voter
Must hold a position in the government

Which of the following is true regarding the political affiliations of the State Chief Information Commissioner?

They cannot hold any other office of profit or be connected to any political party (correct)
They must be active members of a political party
They are allowed to engage in political campaigns
They can hold membership in the legislature

At what age can a State Chief Information Commissioner no longer serve in office?

65 years (C) Signup and view all the answers

How is the headquarters of the State Information Commission determined?

By the State Government notification (C) Signup and view all the answers

Can the State Chief Information Commissioner be reappointed after their term ends?

No, they are not eligible for reappointment (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can a State Information Commissioner NOT do while holding office?

Pursue a profession (A), Hold an office in a political party (B), Manage a family business (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the State Information Commissioners in assisting the State Chief Information Commissioner?

They execute decisions made by the Chief Commissioner (B) Signup and view all the answers

What condition allows a public authority to disclose information despite the Official Secrets Act?

If public interest in disclosure outweighs the harm to protected interests. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame after which information must be disclosed upon request?

Twenty years after the occurrence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who has the final say in determining the date from which the twenty-year period is calculated?

The Central Government. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can a request for information be rejected due to copyright infringement?

If it involves any copyrighted material held by an individual other than the State. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a request is rejected based on exemption from disclosure, what condition allows partial access to information?

If the exempt information can be reasonably removed from the record. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for rejecting a request for information?

The information is more than twenty years old. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens if only a part of the requested information is exempt from disclosure?

The exempt part is withheld, but the rest is accessible. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the phrase 'notwithstanding anything in the Official Secrets Act'?

Public interest can be considered over the Official Secrets Act. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What power is NOT granted to the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission during inquiries?

Issuing arrest warrants (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions can the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission NOT perform?

Compel payment of fines (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstance can the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission examine records under the control of a public authority?

During any inquiry of a complaint under the Act (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence can the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission receive?

Evidence on oath or affidavit (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission have the power to requisition?

Public records from any court or office (B) Signup and view all the answers

What conditions can lead to the removal of the State Chief Information Commissioner or a State Information Commissioner by the Governor?

Adjudged an insolvent (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would be classified as misbehaviour for the State Chief Information Commissioner or a State Information Commissioner?

Participating in a government contract (A) Signup and view all the answers

What must the Governor do before passing orders on the removal of a State Chief Information Commissioner or a State Information Commissioner?

Wait for a report from the Supreme Court (C) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance can the Governor suspend a State Chief Information Commissioner or a State Information Commissioner?

If an inquiry is underway regarding their conduct (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for which the Governor can declare a State Chief Information Commissioner or a State Information Commissioner unfit for office?

Residing outside of the state (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of conviction could lead to the removal of the State Chief Information Commissioner or a State Information Commissioner?

Conviction for an offense involving moral turpitude (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a State Information Commissioner obtains a financial interest that could affect their functions, what action may the Governor take?

Remove from office (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these scenarios would NOT typically lead to suspension during an inquiry?

Public criticism or pressure (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum penalty that can be imposed on a Public Information Officer for repeated failures to furnish information?

Rs. 25000 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a condition that must be met before a penalty can be imposed on the Public Information Officer?

The officer must be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can the Central or State Information Commission impose a penalty?

If the officer refused to receive an application without reasonable cause. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which entity decides the appeal according to prescribed procedures?

The Information Commission (D) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if a Public Information Officer fails to furnish information within the specified time frame?

They can be penalized daily until the information is provided. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What burden of proof lies on the Public Information Officer when penalties are considered?

To demonstrate reasonable and diligent actions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What action can be taken if the Public Information Officer knowingly gives incorrect information?

A daily penalty may be imposed. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What must the Central or State Information Commission provide to the complainant after a decision is made?

Notice of the decision and any rights of appeal. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Access to Information

Access to information may be granted if public interest outweighs harm to protected interests, despite the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
Information about events occurring 20 years prior can be disclosed upon request, with the Central Government determining the calculation of the 20-year period.

Rejection of Information Requests

Requests for information may be rejected if it infringes on copyright held by someone other than the State.
If access is denied due to exempt information, non-exempt parts of the record may still be accessible.

State Information Commission Management

The State Chief Information Commissioner oversees the State Information Commission, assisted by State Information Commissioners.
They hold autonomous powers without external direction under this Act.

Qualifications for State Information Commissioners

Must possess public eminence with expertise in fields like law, science, social service, and media.
Cannot hold any political office, engage in business, or pursue any profession during their term.

Headquarters and Office Locations

The headquarters of the State Information Commission is designated by the State Government, which can also establish additional offices.

Tenure and Conditions of Service

The State Chief Information Commissioner serves for a term prescribed by the Central Government, with a maximum age limit of 65 years.
The Governor can suspend or remove the Commissioner for reasons such as insolvency, conviction of a serious offense, or unfitness due to health.

Conflict of Interest

State Information Commissioners found to be involved in contracts with the government or having financial interests that conflict with their duties may be considered guilty of misconduct.

Inquiry Powers of Information Commissions

Central and State Information Commissions have civil court powers, including summoning witnesses, requiring document inspection, and receiving affidavits.
They can examine any records controlled by public authorities during inquiries without obstruction.

Appeal Process

Decisions made by the Information Commissions must be communicated to the complainant and the public authority, including any rights to appeal.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Public Information Officers not complying with the Act may face daily penalties of 250 rupees until compliance, capped at 25,000 rupees.
Officers are entitled to a hearing before penalties are imposed and must prove they acted reasonably.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the principles of access to information, the processes for rejecting information requests, and the management of State Information Commissions. This quiz covers essential regulations and qualifications related to public information access as per the Official Secrets Act, 1923.