NGOs substantially funded by govt fall within RTI ambit: SC

Although the term NGO has not been defined in the RTI Act but these organisations carry on various social and welfare activities which are otherwise governmental in nature, it said.

“The term Non-Government Organisations (NGO), as such, is not defined under the Act. But, over a period of time, the expression has got its own meaning and, it has to be seen in that context, when used in the Act.

“Government used to finance substantially, several non-government organisations, which carry on various social and welfare activities, since those organisations sometimes carry on functions which are otherwise governmental,” it said.  

The bench, however, said that whether an NGO has been substantially financed or not by the appropriate government, is a question of fact, to be examined by the authorities concerned under the RTI Act.