BCCI not a public authority under RTI Act: CIC reverses its order

The Central Information Commission (CIC) on Monday ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not qualify as a "public authority" under the RTI Act, stating that the body is neither owned, controlled, nor substantially funded by the government.

The Commission rejected an appeal seeking details about the provisions and authority under which the BCCI represents India and selects players for national and international cricket events.

The CIC further observed that the BCCI is a private autonomous organisation registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act and was not created through the Constitution, Parliament, state legislature, or any government



notification.

The CIC cleared its stance on the RTI matter. "The Commission observes that the Appellant - Ms Geeta Rani - had sought Information regarding the provisions/guidelines under which BCCI represents India and selects players for national and international cricket tournaments, and also raised queries concerning the authority vested in BCCI by the Government of India. It is noted that CPIO, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports vide letter dated 14.12.2017 clearly stated that the information sought was not available with the Ministry and that the RTI application could not be transferred to BCCI as it had not been declared a 'Public Authority' under the RTI Act, 2005, which position was upheld by the FAA," the CIC said in its order.