HC stays KIC fiat on BIAL

HC stays KIC fiat on BIAL
Bangalore, DHNS:


The High Court on Thursday stayed the June 14 order of the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) bringing BIAL under RTI Act.

In its petition, the BIAL had said of the total outlay of Rs 2,000 crore, only Rs 450 crore was the State’s contribution. Of this, Rs 350 crore was through loan, it said, seeking a stay on the order.

The Commission had directed BIAL to appoint an RTI officer following a complaint by Benson Issac, whose query seeking suo motu disclosure application was rejected by BIAL. BIAL had contended it was a company with equity participation by private sector to the extent of 74 per cent and the RTI does not apply to it.

Mr Issac had said the government holds up to 26 per cent of equity.

The State had also provided the site for the project along with a sum of Rs 350 crore, he had argued and demanded that he be provided a copy of the suo motu disclosure.

After several hearings, the Commission had said the BIAL being a public authority, the RTI Act does apply to it and had directed immediate appointment of RTI officer. However, the High Court has stayed the order.