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2010 (1) TMI 978 - DELHI HIGH COURTWhether the writ petitioners are "Public Authorit(ies)" within the meaning of the term under Section 2(h) of the said Act? Held that:- On a consideration of all the factors, this court holds that the school fulfils the essential elements of being a non-government organization, under Section 2(h) of the Act, which is substantially financed by the Central Government, through various departments, and agencies. It is therefore, covered by the regime of the Act. Educating, clothing and providing shelter, employment and basic health care to all the people are non- derogable priorities. The model chosen by the government of ensuring spread of welfare and its benefits, include functioning through non-government agencies, who are tasked and assisted for this purpose. The crucial role of access to information here cannot be understated. It is in this context that Section 2 (h) recognizes that non-state actors may have responsibilities of disclosing information which would be useful, and necessary for the people they serve, as it furthers the process of empowerment, assures transparency, and makes democracy responsive and meaningful. In view of the above conclusions, in relation to each petition, the court holds that the reliefs sought cannot be granted; each of the petitioners is a public authority, and therefore bound to give effect to provisions of the Act. They are granted 30 days time to set up appropriate mechanisms to enable access to information held and required to be held by them
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