RInfra comes within the ambit of the RTI Act

           Energy consumers served by Reliance Infrastructure can now obtain information about its services under the RTI Act as the State Information Commission has, in a significant order, ruled that being a public utility service provider it comes under the transparency law.

In a recent order, the SIC has said that though RInfra is a private company, it provides “essential service” and hence comes within the ambit of the RTI Act.

It also directed the company to appoint a Public Information Officer (PIO) and a first appellate authority.” 

The order came on a complaint by Anil Galgali who had approached the Commission after his request for some details of his electric meter connection under RTI Act was rejected by the company on the ground that it was a private firm and the law was not applicable to it.

The company argued that since it does not receive any monetary or other assistance from the government and was not formed under any Constitutional provision or legislation it was not a public company and hence not covered under RTI Act.

However, the complainant insisted that Reliance Infra comes within the purview of the transparency law as it was formed under the Company Act and functioned as a public utility service provider.

Concurring with his view, the Commission ruled that power suppliers in the state come under the ambit of RTI as they supply essential service.

It also held that RInfra was formed under Electricity Act 2003 under which supplying power is a public service.

The SIC, on July 19 passed an order bringing RInfra under the ambit of RTI after observing that though it was a private company it provided "essential public service" of electricity and hence should come under the Act. The order came following a complaint filed by one Anil Galgali. 

In its appeal challenging the order, RInfra has said it is not a body or institution of government established or constituted by the Constitution of India. 

The petition would come up for hearing in due course of time. Galgali had approached the Commission after Reliance Energy declined to provide him information regarding his electricity bills. Galgali had sought information under the RTI Act which was rejected saying the provisions of the Act does not apply to private companies.

Wednesday 17 August 2011 by RTI INDIA
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Comments (3)

  1. it is great order passed by sic.

  2. it will be great for us.

  3. it is great for rti india..

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