Section 17 of RTI Act : Section 17: Removal Of State Chief Information Commissioner Or State Information Commissioner

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a State Information Commissioner (SIC) has been found to be involved in a corruption scandal. An investigation reveals that the SIC has been taking bribes to provide favorable responses to Right to Information (RTI) queries. This behavior is a criminal offense and involves moral turpitude. As a result, the Governor of the state, upon learning of the conviction, decides to exercise the powers conferred by Section 17 of The Right to Information Act, 2005.

The Governor orders the suspension of the SIC and refers the matter to the Supreme Court to conduct a formal inquiry into the misbehavior. If the Supreme Court finds the allegations to be true and recommends removal, the Governor can then officially remove the SIC from the position based on the grounds of proven misbehavior.