'Not disclosing information due to political reasons'; Sree Chitra Institute's controversial stance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Sree Chitra Institute authorities' stand not to release the decisions of the Governing Body (GB) and the Institute Body (IB), citing political reasons, ignited a controversy. Sree Chitra Director Dr. Sanjay Behari and Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) Dr. Easwar appeared before the Central Information Commission and clarified their position. The Central Information Commission's document in this regard was released. There is still clarification required on the 'political causes' mentioned.

The Central Information Commission ordered on May 15 that the decisions were not private and that they should be released under the Right to Information Act. The authorities were not ready to do so. The applicant appealed to the Commission again. When the appeal was considered on the 4th of this month, the Sreechitra Director and the CPIO appeared in person. Under normal circumstances, it is not required for a director to appear before the commission in person. The Sreechitra Director, thus appearing in person and citing political reasons, evoked suspicion.

The Commission ordered that the minutes and agendas of the GB and IB meetings be posted on the website under Section 4 of the Right to Information Act and that replies to applications under RTI should be given. The Commission has directed that the order be implemented by the 30th of next month.

Two members of the Lok Sabha and one member of the Rajya Sabha are members of the institute body. MPs Dr. Shashi Tharoor, E.T. Mohammed Basheer, and Dr. Laxman are the current political representatives on the institute body. Their stance is also crucial in this regard. It is demanded that the MPs also clarify whether there are political reasons for the release of information in Sree Chitra under the Right to Information Act.