Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to information.

The State Chief Information Commissioner holds office for a term of five years or until he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

A State Information Commission consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and four other Information Commissioners.

The Governor of the State appoints the State Chief Information Commissioner and the other Information Commissioners on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Chief Minister, the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, and the Leader of the Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly.

The main functions of a State Information Commission include receiving and inquiring into complaints from citizens regarding the denial of information by public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities, and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act.

A State Information Commission is required to dispose of a complaint within 60 days from the date of its receipt.

A State Information Commission can impose penalties on public authorities for violating the provisions of the Right to Information Act, including a fine of up to Rs. 25,000.

An appeal against an order of a State Information Commission can be filed with the High Court of the State.

Karnataka was the first State to establish a State Information Commission in 1997.

There are 30 State Information Commissions in India, one for each State and Union Territory.

The website of the Central Information Commission is www.cic.gov.in.

The email address of the Central Information Commission is [email protected].

The telephone number of the Central Information Commission is 011-24651234.

The fax number of the Central Information Commission is 011-24651238.

The address of the Central Information Commission is August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi - 110066.