The Central Information Commission has directed Hockey India to comply with its order of disclosing the money transferred by it in foreign accounts and the purpose behind its cash withdrawal, as the Delhi High Court has sought a stay on the sports body. The petition was dismissed.
In a compliance notice, the Commission said, “On perusal of the record of the case, it has been informed by the appellant that you had challenged the order of the CIC through WP(c) before the High Court of Delhi, but… To stay the compliance of the orders of the CIC.”
“In view of the above, you are directed to look into the matter to ensure compliance with the order of the Commission. The action taken in the matter may be endorsed to the Commission within 21 days of the receipt of this letter.”
Activist Subhash Aggarwal had filed a 20-point RTI application in October 2019, seeking details about the functioning of Hockey India, including signatories and their designations on bank accounts, fund transfers made to foreign accounts and the transactions made from its accounts. cash withdrawals and their purposes.
Hockey India declined to provide information on these points on grounds of exemption from disclosure under section 8(1)(d) (commercial trust clause) of the RTI Act.
After the Central Information Commission (CIC) directed the disclosure of the information, Hockey India challenged it in the Delhi High Court and sought a stay on it.
Justice Rekha Palli observed that Hockey India, which is a National Sports Federation (NSF) and a public authority, cannot shy away from disclosing such information even though the salaries of judges are also known to all.
“Prima facie I really do not see what is wrong with the CIC order. You are a public authority, you cannot shy away from disclosing the salaries of employees, no matter how high or low. When our salaries are known to all, then what is the problem with the salaries of your employees.
“You are a public authority, getting so much help, benefit and money,” Justice Pally said. He said that he is not inclined to stay the CIC order at this stage.
The central government also backed the CIC’s December 13 order last year, saying it was in line with the National Sports Code and government guidelines.
Hockey India has been recognized as NSF by the Union Government, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The commission had also directed the NSF to furnish details of monthly rent paid by it at each address from the date of possession and monetary transactions like cash withdrawal and fund transfer to bank accounts abroad.
Information Commissioner Amita Pandove in her order had directed Hockey India to provide the designations of the signatories only on the bank accounts.
He also directed the federation to serve the “only” purpose of fund transfer to bank accounts abroad and cash withdrawal by Hockey India.
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