Information about the quantum of land being held by the Delhi WAKF Board
7 Jun, 2013
Background
The appellant filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Delhi Wakf Board seeking information about the total hectares of land being held by the Delhi WAKF Board,the detail of number of Masjids and Madrassas under its jurisdiction, the number of employees and their salaries etc. The Public Information Officer (PIO) providedsome information to the appellant.
Proceedings
During the hearing the before Central Information Commission (CIC), therespondent submitted that this information in hectares is not available in their records. The respondent also stated that the area on which various properties are situated are not available on record in several cases and a register is available in the office which contains areas of land on which some properties are situated. He also showed the willingness to allow the appellant to inspect the register to the appellant.
View of CIC
The Commission held that the information sought by the appellant is voluminous in nature and directed the PIO to allow the appellant to inspect the said register so that the appellant can compile the information for himself. The Commission also directed the PIO under the supervision and guidance of the competent Authority to disclose the complete information as it exists in their records on the concerned website of the Delhi WAKF Board as per provisions of section 4(2)
It shall be a constant endeavour of every public authority to take steps in accordance with the requirements of clause (b) of sub-section (1) to provide as much information suo motu to the public at regular intervals through various means of communications, including internet, so that the public have minimum resort to the use of this Act to obtain information.
of the RTI act.
Comments
WAKF properties in many parts of the country have been in dispute for alleged mismanagement. Putting up the details of the same in public domain is likely to lead to a better administration of the same.
Citation: Mr. Choudhary v. Delhi Wakf Board in File No: CIC/AD/A/2012/002849
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2013/CIC/1343
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission