Co-Operative Societies Not Public Authorities, Not Bound By Right To Information Act: Madras High Court Reiterates

The Madras High Court ruled that co-operative societies under the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Societies Act are not considered "public authorities" under the Right to Information Act (RTI). Justice Bhavani Subbaroyan overturned an order by the State Information Commissioner directing Madhanam Primary Agricultural Co-operative Credit Society to disclose information under the RTI Act. \r

The petitioner, the society's President, argued that the society, being autonomous, doesn't perform public functions. The RTI applicant, K Jeeva, sought various loan details, alleging mismanagement. The court cited precedent, clarifying that co-operative societies aren't bound by the RTI Act. \r

Consequently, the order to disclose information was quashed, upholding the society's argument.