MPs must reveal business interests: CIC

The case relates to an RTI application filed by Anil Bairwal of the Association of Democratic Reforms,seeking to know from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat the details of “remunerative directorship,regular remunerative activity,shareholding of controlling nature,paid consultancy and professional engagement” of the members of the House.

These details are submitted by the MPs under ‘Register of Members’ Interest’ under Rule 293 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States.

Bairwal also sought to know the list of members who have not submitted the form and their reasons for not doing so.

The Rajya Sabha Secretariat refused to provide details,citing a decision of its Ethics Committee which opined that the information was held in fiduciary capacity and should not be disclosed under Section 8(1)(e) of the RTI Act. It said the disclosure of information has no relationship to any public activity or interest.

Rejecting the arguments,Mishra said,“The knowledge among the citizens about the pecuniary interest of MPs in various companies and other business establishments would help them to keep a better watch on their representatives when they would be dealing with policy and other legislative matter affecting the interests of such companies and business interests.”

According to Section 8(1)(e) of the RTI Act cited by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat,information held in fiduciary capacity can be withheld from disclosure unless it serves the larger public interest. — With PTI inputs