Section 18 - Powers and functions of Information Commissions

Right to information powers enable commissions to inquire into access denials and compel production of public records.

Information Commissions shall receive and inquire into complaints from persons denied access, prevented from submitting requests or appeals, not given timely responses, charged unreasonable fees, or provided incomplete or false information; the Commission may initiate inquiry when satisfied of reasonable grounds. In inquiries the Commission has civil court equivalent powers to summon and enforce attendance, take evidence on oath or affidavit, require discovery and inspection of documents, requisition public records, and issue summons; it may examine any record under a public authority's control and such records cannot be withheld on any grounds.