Certified copy of the applications for membership/recognition by Indian Golf Union for clubs in Maharashtra - CIC: Information has not been provided; Respondent is directed to revisit the RTI application and provide the revised information

Information sought:

1. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 09.11.2023 (online) seeking the following information:

“1.) True/Certified copy of the list of Indian Golf Union (IGU) recognized golf clubs or courses in India.

2.) True/Certified copy of the applications for membership/recognition by IGU for clubs/courses in Maharashtra, or their last/previous renewals (if any).

3.) True/Certified copy of the list of clubs/courses in Maharashtra authorized/recognized to issue handicaps to golfers.”

2. The CPIO furnished a point-wise reply to the Appellant on 06.12.2023 stating as under:

“Ans 1. List of recognized golf club with Indian Golf Union is attached.

Ans 2. List of recognized golf club/course in Maharashtra is attached.

And 3. WHS (World Handicapping System) is the authorized agency to issue handicap certificates Pan India.”

3. Being dissatisfied, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 16.12.2023. The FAA order is not on record.

4. Feeling aggrieved and dissatisfied, Appellant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.

Relevant Facts emerged during Hearing:

The following were present:-

Appellant: Absent

Respondent: Shri Amit Kumar Shukla, Finance Manager, appeared in person.

5. The Respondent while defending their case inter alia submitted that point-wise reply as per the records available with the Public Authority has already been provided to the Appellant vide letter dated 06.12.2023.

Decision:

6. The Commission after adverting to the facts and circumstances of the case, hearing the Respondent and perusal of the records, noted that pointwise reply has been given to the Appellant vide letter dated 06.12.2023. However, the reply given by the Respondent on point No. 2 of the RTI application appears to be incorrect and misleading as it does not comply with the RTI request. The Respondent has neither provided a copy of the applications for membership/recognition and for its last renewal nor clarified whether such documents are available with them or not. In view of the foregoing, the Respondent is directed to revisit the RTI application and provide the revised information on point No. 2 of the RTI application as per the records available with them, free of cost within two weeks from the date of receipt of this order. As regards other points of the RTI application, the Commission finds that an appropriate reply has been given by the Respondent CPIO, and interference is not warranted on those points.

7. The FAA to ensure compliance of this order.

The appeal is dismissed accordingly.

Vinod Kumar Tiwari

Information Commissioner

Citation: Kamal Kashyap v. The Indian Golf Union, CIC/MOYAS/A/2024/611710; Date of Decision : 22.05.2025