In a landmark decision that reinforces transparency in urban administration, the Karnataka State Information Commission (KSIC) has officially declared the Electronics City Industrial Township Authority (ELCITA) as a "public authority" under the provisions of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. This ruling mandates that ELCITA must comply with all transparency requirements and disclose information sought under this crucial legislation.
Commission Directs Appointment of Key Officials
The commission has issued a directive requiring ELCITA to appoint essential personnel as specified under the RTI Act. This includes designating a public information officer, an assistant public information officer, and a first appellate authority to ensure proper handling of information requests and appeals.
Historical Background of Electronics City
During the hearing of an appeal filed by Ganesh Kumar M, a resident of Doddathoguru, the commission delved into the historical origins of Electronics City. The area was originally established in 1970 by the state government with the specific aim of promoting electronic industries in the region.
Initially developed by the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation (Keonics), the township now spans over 900 acres. Management responsibilities were transferred to ELCITA in 1997, marking a significant shift in administrative control.
Statutory Status and Government Control
The commission carefully examined ELCITA's legal standing, noting that the authority operates as a statutory body constituted under the Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964. This status was formalized through a government notification issued in March 2013, establishing ELCITA's governance framework.
State Information Commissioner Rudranna Harthikote emphasized that ELCITA performs fundamental municipal and governmental functions despite lacking an elected governing body. These responsibilities include critical services such as road maintenance, water supply provision, sanitation management, and property tax collection.
Government Influence and Judicial Precedents
The commission highlighted the substantial government control exercised over ELCITA's operations. Authority members are appointed directly by the government, and senior officials from various government departments serve on its governing board, creating significant governmental oversight.
In reaching its decision, the commission relied on established judicial precedents, including relevant Supreme Court rulings and decisions from the Madras High Court. These legal authorities consistently affirm that bodies performing public functions or receiving substantial government support must be classified as public authorities under the RTI Act.
The commission also referenced similar industrial township authorities, such as Noida, which have previously been treated as public authorities, creating a consistent legal framework for such determinations.
Immediate Compliance Requirements
The commission issued specific orders regarding the information request that prompted this case. ELCITA must furnish the information sought by the appellant on February 15, 2025, within a strict ten-day timeframe.
Warning of potential penalties for non-compliance, the commission disposed of the case while cautioning that all future RTI applications must be answered within the legally stipulated time periods. This ruling establishes clear accountability mechanisms for ELCITA's transparency obligations moving forward.
