CIC split over bringing DDCA under RTI; one IC orders inquiry

The Central Information Commission today deferred the matter of bringing Delhi and District Cricket Association under the RTI Act "sine die" in a split verdict with one of three Information Commissioners ordered SFIO inquiry against the cricketing body.
The Commission "refrained" from passing an order as similar matter in separate cases are under stay at Delhi High Court. However, the Commission said that once the superior courts pronounce their decision the parties could approach it.
The majority verdict, which will prevail, given by Information Commissioners Basant Seth and Sharat Sabharwal-- both ex-bureaucrats-- came as relief to DDCA which was contesting to be declared as Public Authority as it said it is not financed by Government.

The case relates to activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal who filed a complaint with the CIC claiming that DDCA had not responded to his RTI application seeking details of land and others assets of the cricketing body.
Former member of Indian Cricket team and BJP MP Kirti Azad also intervened in the matter seeking declaration of DDCA as public authority under the RTI Act.
Information Commissioner Sridhar Acahryulu differed with the majority decision and declared that DDCA was an NGO getting substantial funding from the government which brings it under the ambit of the RTI Act.
He also directed the Serious Fraud Investigation Office to conduct a thorough probe into all financial irregularities of DDCA including the allegations made by various personalities.

Acharyulu also told Land and Development Office (L and DO) to secure compliance of all conditions in the lease deed including collection of charges and damages running into crores of rupees as calculated by its department ignoring pressures, if any.