Latest news with #KarnatakaInformationCommission
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Karnataka high court rules Century Club comes under Right to Information Act due to receipt of land grant
Bengaluru: The Karnataka high court ruled that Century Club, Bengaluru, falls under the Right to Information Act's purview due to its receipt of 7.5 acres of land from the Kingdom of Mysore through the Maharaja in 1913. Justice Suraj Govindaraj upheld the Karnataka Information Commission's order in this regard, stating the land grant constitutes substantial state financing. The court dismissed Century Club's petition challenging this decision. The case originated when advocate S Umapathy requested RTI-mandated records in 2012. The club refused, claiming it wasn't a public authority. Umapathy then approached the Karnataka Information Commission in 2013. On March 14, 2018, the Information Commission directed the club to provide the requested information. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Century Club contested this, arguing it operates on member payments and isn't a public authority under RTI. They maintained the land grant from the Maharaja, their Patron-in-Chief at the relevant time, wasn't a govt largesse. Umapathy countered that the current value of the centrally-located land was substantial, running into crores of rupees. The court noted the 1913 land grant belonged to the Kingdom of Mysore, with no evidence suggesting it was the Maharaja's personal property. The judge emphasised that the club's entire operations depend on this land adjacent to Cubbon Park. Justice Suraj Govindaraj concluded that the land's present value would amount to hundreds or thousands of crores, far exceeding member contributions. This substantial state contribution through the Kingdom of Mysore makes RTI provisions applicable to Century Club. The judgement highlighted that the club's recreational, sports, and entertainment activities rely entirely on this granted land, without which its existence would be questionable. The court rejected Century Club's petition to exempt itself from RTI obligations.
New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Make RTI Act part of varsity curriculum: Karnataka Information Commission
BENGALURU: The Karnataka Information Commission has recommended several measures to the State Government to strengthen the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, including introducing RTI-related curriculum for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The move aims to foster awareness among youth and improve transparency and accountability in government administration. The State Information Commissioner recently met Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and submitted a detailed list of recommendations ahead of a high-level meeting on RTI scheduled for July 14, to be chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta. The Commission has proposed integrating the RTI Act into university curriculum and competitive exams conducted by the KPSC, KEA, and other recruitment bodies. It further recommended that passing RTI-related examinations be made a criterion for promotions and pay reviews in the government sector. The Commission also highlighted the need for RTI training in institutions such as the Administrative Training Institute (Mysuru), District Training Institutes, and the Monetary Policy Institute (Bengaluru).
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Action taken against 13 PIOs by Information Commission
Karnataka Information Commission has penalised and taken disciplinary action against 13 public information officers (PIO) for not discharging their duties in the right manner to provide information under the Right To Information (RTI) Act. A penalty of ₹25,000 each has been levied on 13 PIOs including the tahasildars, Assistant Executive Engineers and others working under Bench - 2 of the commission. 'PIOs play a significant role in the implementation of RTI Act. Negligence of officials in providing information leads to the public not getting to know about government schemes in timely manner. RTI Act is an important tool that helps in public welfare and these actions have been taken to ensure that the officers are not negligent,' said a note from the commission.
