Order on RTI applicability to GCA on Oct 1

TNN, Sep 18, 2010,PANAJI:

The Goa State Chief Information Commissioner on Thursday heard the final arguments on a complaint filed by social activist Aires Rodrigues against the Goa Cricket Association for its refusal to furnish information sought under the Right to Information Act (RTI). The matter has been now fixed for judgment on October 1.

Advocate Mahesh Sonak, appearing on behalf of GCA, argued that the GCA did not come under the purview of the RTI as it has not received any financial or other assistance from the Goa government or the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG).

However, Rodrigues contended that there was documentary proof on record to the effect that the Goa government has granted a 99-year lease of land admeasuring 1,30,328 sq m at Tivim at a nominal rent of 50,000 per year to the GCA for the construction of a cricket stadium. He also brought to the notice of the commissioner that the SAG, in 2000, had granted Rs 50 lakh to the GCA as financial assistance.

Rodrigues had sought information from the GCA regarding the minutes of all its executive committee meetings conducted from 1999 'to date', as well as minutes of the general body, special general body and annual general body meetings.

He also asked for information on GCA's audited statement of accounts and the current list of ordinary members. Information was also sought on the total fees paid by GCA to advocate Subodh Kantak, if he was ever appointed as its advocate or legal advisor.

Rodrigues has approached the Goa State Information Commission and submitted that the GCA is a state sports association which is recognized by the SAG and hence covered under the RTI Act. The complaint filed under Section 18(1) (b) of the RTI Act has prayed for directions to the GCA to furnish the information sought. 'The GCA is a public authority as defined in Section 2(h) of the RTI Act 2005. The GCA is a body which has been substantially financed directly or indirectly by the government of Goa," Rodrigues argued.