Show-cause notice to CMDA for providing false information to RTI query

The RTI application by one Y Akbar Ahamad sought to know the action initiated by the CMDA on the unauthorised construction of I, J and K spectator stands after the Supreme Court’s order in 2015. The CMDA mentioned in its reply that demolition notice has been issued to the stadium authority, but did not divulge regularisation plan claiming that the stadium authorities have not applied for regularisation under Town and Country Planning Act.

As the reply was unsatisfactory even after the second appeal, Akbar approached the Tamil Nadu Information Commission, after which the latter posed five queries to CMDA. In its reply to the commission, CMDA had reportedly mentioned that planning permission has been issued to the stadium, though it did not mention it earlier for the first two RTI queries.

Following the appeal of the activist to initiate action against the Public Information Officer of CMDA for giving false information to queries under RTI Act, a show-cause notice has been issued to the authority seeking explanation for the irregularity committed.

Speaking to DT Next, Akbar Ahamad said that planning permission has been given to a car parking area too, which was in no way related to those three stands. “I have shared the information with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption to probe the matter,” said Akbar.