Who authorised the possession of old Fort and Ashok column of Koshambi by Indian Army?
10 Oct, 2012Background
The appellant filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Ministry of Culture seeking information regarding the Old Fort built by Mughal Emperor Akhbar and Ashok column of Koshambi situated in Allahabad at Sangam, which is under the possession of Indian Army. He wanted to know as to who authorized this possession, who is responsible for loss to Ministry of Culture, whether any rent is paid to Ministry of Culture etc. The Public Information Officer (PIO) transferred the RTI application to the PIO, Archeological Survey of India (ASI), who furnished a point wise reply.
Proceedings
During the hearing before the Central Information Commission (CIC), the appellant stated that he has not been provided proper information in response to his RTI application. The PIO stated that whatever information is available on record has been furnished. He also clarified that the Indian army is the custodian of the Fort at Sangam, Allahabad; Ashoka Pillar situated inside the Fort has been notified as a protected monument by the Government of India and as such Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture is responsible for its maintenance. The appellant requested that a copy of the aforesaid notification may be provided to him and that the PIO may be requested to transfer his RTI application under section 6(3) of RTI Act to the Indian Army for providing certain information which relates to them.
View of CIC
The Commission directed the PIO to provide a copy of the aforesaid notification to the appellant and transfer such part of RTI application to the Indian Army which relates to them.
Citation: Mr. Anshu Kumar v. Ministry of Culture in File No. CIC/SM/A/2011/002055/BS/0844
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2012/CIC/714
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission