look news india
News India Live, Digital Desk: The exercise to fill the vacant posts in Jharkhand State Information Commission has once again got stuck in legal and political circles. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar has returned the file related to the appointment of Information Commissioners to the state government. The Governor has raised serious legal objections especially to those names, which are associated with active political parties or hold party positions. After this strict stance of Raj Bhavan, a question mark has been raised on the ‘choice’ of the state government.
1. The bone of contention: Information Commissioner or ‘party spokesperson’?
The state government had selected the names for four vacant posts of the Information Commission and sent them to Raj Bhavan.
Political Background: It is discussed that out of these four names, three are persons who have been active members or spokespersons of major political parties.
Governor’s argument: While returning the file, Governor Gangwar has clarified that the post of Information Commissioner is of an impartial and quasi-judicial nature. In such a situation, the appointment of persons associated with active politics can affect the impartiality and transparency of this constitutional post.
2. Reference to Supreme Court guidelines
According to Raj Bhavan sources, the Governor has taken this decision after studying the guidelines issued from time to time by the Supreme Court regarding the appointment of Information Commissioners.
Legal complications: As per the court’s directions, the Information Commissioners should be selected from among eminent persons from various fields (such as law, science, technology, social service, management, journalism or administration). The Governor has asked the government on what basis political workers have been included in these categories.
3. Situation of Information Commission and pressure from High Court
Jharkhand State Information Commission has been struggling with the shortage of Chief Information Commissioner and other Commissioners for a long time.
Pending cases: Due to the absence of commissioners, thousands of second appeals are pending, due to which the Right to Information (RTI) Act is proving ineffective.
Strictness of the court: Regarding this matter in Jharkhand High Court 13 April 2026 The hearing is to take place. The court had already expressed displeasure over the delay in appointments. It is believed that the Governor has put the ball back in the government’s court by returning the file just before the court hearing.
4. What next? Government has two ways
Now Hemant Soren government has only two options left to resolve this impasse:
Changes in names: Accepting the Governor’s objections, the government removed the disputed names and re-sent the names of non-politicians and experts.
Explanation and same file again: The government should clarify its stand on the eligibility of those names, although the conflict may increase if the Governor raises objection again.
political reactions
Opposition parties have welcomed this step of the Governor. BJP says that the government wants to make the Information Commission a ‘retirement home’ of its party, which the Governor has stopped to protect democracy. At the same time, leaders of the ruling party argue that political experience is also a part of public service and there is nothing illegal in it.
