Dominic Simon v. Central Public Information Officer & ANR

$~77 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + LPA 271/2018 AND CM APPL. 20070-20072/2018 DOMINIC SIMON ..... Appellant Through:

Mr.Jose Abraham, Srivignesh and Mr.Manu Srinagh, Adv.

versus CENTRAL PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER & ANR ..... Respondents Through None.

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE S. RAVINDRA BHAT HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE A. K. CHAWLA

O R D E R

% 15.05.2018 It is urged by the appellant that the Single Judge fell into error in holding that the International Indian School in Saudi Arabia is not covered by the provisions of Right to Information Act as they do not conform to the definition of public authority. It is contended that the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia is empowered to oversee the functions of the school. Particular emphasis is given to the fact that the Ambassador in fact nominates the managing committee. The lower authority under the RTI as well as the Single Judge noticed that the school is private one, though, affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education and it is run in accordance with the Saudi Arabia Regulations. Even if it is assumed that the Indian Ambassador is empowered to nominate the managing committee, it ipso facto

would not render a school or its managing committee a public authority without any further measure of control. For these reasons, we are of the opinion that there is no merit in the appeal. It is dismissed. All the pending applications also stand disposed off.

S. RAVINDRA BHAT, J A. K. CHAWLA, J MAY 15, 2018 rc