BOTH WAYS POWERS UNDER SECTION 19 ARE NOT IMPLEMENTED IN FAVOUR OF APPLICANTS BY THE COMMISSION AND APPLICANTS GENERALLY SUFFERING FROM THE LOSSES TO BE COMPENSATED.

In its decision, the Central information Commission, or State information commission, as the case may be, has the power to, - (a) require the public authority to take any such steps as may be necessary to secure compliance with the provisions of this Act, including---- (1) by providing access to information, if so required, in a particular form ;(2) by appointing a Central public information officer or State public information officer, as the case may be ; (3) by publishing certain information or categories of information;(4) by making necessary changes to its practices in relation to the maintenance, management and destruction of records ;(5) by enhancing the provision of training on the right to information for its officials ;(6) by providing it with an annual report in compliance with clause (b) of sub section (1) of section 4;(b) require the public authority to compensate the complainant for any loss or other detriment suffered ; (c) impose any of the penalties provided under this Act ;(d) reject the application. Further the Central information commission or state information commission, as the case may be, shall give notice of its decision, including any right of Appeal, to the complainants and the public authority and shall decide the Appeal in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed. COMMENTS:-- The power of the information commission under section 19(8) of the Act to require a public authority to take any such steps as may be necessary to secure compliance with the provisions of the Act, does not include a power to direct the public authority to preserve the information for any period larger than what is provided under the rules and regulations of the public authority. (2) Any person, who does not receive a decision with in the specified time, or is aggrieved by  a decision of the Central public information officer or state public information officer, as the case may be, can with in thirty days prefer an Appeal to such officer who is senior in rank.