Inclusive definition of public authority under RTI Act covers a deemed university established by government notification.

The inclusive definition of "public authority" under the Right to Information Act, 2005 extends to an authority, body or institution established by notification or order of the appropriate Government. A deemed university declared by notification of the Central Government under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 is therefore treated as established by the appropriate Government and falls within that definition. For that reason, ownership, control or substantial financing need not separately be shown for the institution to come within the Act. The university was accordingly obliged to consider and dispose of the information request under the RTI regime.

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Issues: Whether a deemed university established by notification of the appropriate Government falls within the definition of "public authority" under the Right to Information Act, 2005 and is bound to furnish information under that Act.

Analysis: The expression "public authority" in Section 2(h) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 is wide enough to cover an authority, body or institution established or constituted by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government. The definition is inclusive, and the use of the word "includes" enlarges its scope rather than restricting it. A deemed university declared by notification issued by the Central Government under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 is therefore established by the appropriate Government. It is not necessary, for that reason, to further establish ownership, control or substantial financing for the institution to fall within the statutory definition.

Conclusion: The deemed university was held to be a public authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005 and was obliged to consider and dispose of the information request in accordance with that Act.

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