New Delhi: The Central Information Commission (CIC) on Monday gave a major decision saying that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will not be considered a ‘public authority’ under the RTI Act. The Commission made it clear that BCCI is neither a government-run organization, nor is it under government control, nor does it receive government funding. Information Commissioner P.R. Ramesh said in his order that BCCI is a private organization, registered under the Tamil Nadu Society Registration Act. Therefore, it does not fit in the category of public institutions covered under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act 2005.
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Legal battle was going on since 2018
This matter was going on between the court and the commission for many years. Earlier, former Information Commissioner M. Sridhar Acharyulu had considered BCCI under the ambit of RTI and directed to appoint an Information Officer. However, BCCI challenged this decision in Madras High Court. Later, the High Court again sent the matter to the Central Information Commission, so that a decision could be taken after a fresh hearing.
No ‘deep control’ of government
In its latest order, the Commission said that BCCI is not an institution created under the Constitution, Parliament or any state law. Also, the government has no direct or comprehensive control over it. The Commission also acknowledged that BCCI is completely financially independent and its earnings come from sources like media rights, sponsorship, broadcasting deals and ticket sales.
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