CIC asks NDMC to open records on demolition of Chanakya hall

[karira]

As reported on economictimes.com on 3 February 2008:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/CIC_asks_NDMC_to_open_records_on_demolition_of_Cha nakya_hall/articleshow/2752435.cms

CIC asks NDMC to open records on demolition of Chanakya hall

NEW DELHI: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked NDMC to open up records relating to its decisions in connection with construction and the proposed demolition of Chanakya cinema hall here.

Observing that policies undertaken on matters relating to the city cine-hall were of citizen's interest, the apex RTI body also favoured uploading of related information on the website of New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC).

"The decisions taken and policy formulated in connection with Chanakya cinema, both for its construction and its demolition, are matters of concern to the public and merit uploading on the website," Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah said in his decision.

The CIC passed this order on a Right to Information (RTI) plea of a city-based planner Gita Dewan Verma, who had sought inspection of records on NDMC's decision to construct the cine hall in 1960s, and its present decision to demolish the same.

Verma in her application had cited certain press reports that had discussed on the re-development proposal of NDMC, while indicating a demolition of Chanakya cinema.

She filed her RTI plea to get access to the information which was not available on the municipal body's website.

However, NDMC provided only a part of the information sought, saying the details requested in the application pertained to several of its departments.

Dissatisfied with the reply given, Verma preferred an appeal before the Commission.

Unconvinced at the plea of the municipal body, CIC said NDMC was a public authority and its information officer was responsible to collate the information sought by Verma.

Habibullah also directed NDMC Chairman to streamline the processing of RTI pleas filed before it, so that the citizens get a hassle-free information access.