New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS): In a significant ruling, Supreme Court Tuesday recalled its own ruling and held that people with non-judicial background could be appointed to crucial posts of Central Information Commissioners across the country.

The apex court bench headed by Justice A.K. Patnaik, however, held that in cases involving substantial question of law, the CIC shall endeavour to refer the matter to any of the CIC who have got some knowledge of law.

The apex court, while recalling its earlier controversial order that held that only people with legal/judicial background could be appointed to CIC, Tuesday clarified that there was no longer any such requirement of knowledge of law for holding the post and admitted that the apex court committed an error by passing the earlier order.

The bench further clarified that at the time of the appointment of the CIC, preference should be given to people of eminence belonging to the field of science, technology, media and other fields.