Times of India: Mohali: Monday, 24 November 2025.
The Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) has decided to issue bailable warrants against SHO, Balongi police station after he repeatedly failed to appear before the Commission and did not provide information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
PSIC also issued a notice
to Mohali SSP with directions for compliance with orders and provision of
information under RTI. If SHO Balongi fails to appear before the Commission
again, he is likely to face bailable warrants.
The action follows a complaint filed by RTI applicant Sonu Kumar Kanojia, who approached the Commission after the SHO failed to supply requested information. Earlier, the Commission gave both parties an opportunity to present their case in its order dated July 8, 2025. However, in the latest hearing, the appellant informed the Commission that no information was provided to date.
Despite notices, no one appeared on behalf of the respondent for the second consecutive hearing. The Commission noted that even the last order sent to the SHO was returned undelivered with postal remarks stating "refused," indicating deliberate avoidance and disregard for the Commission's directions.
Taking serious note of this conduct, the Commission observed that such behaviour shows "no regard for the orders issued by the Commission." It reiterated that the RTI Act is meant to promote transparency in governance and cannot be ignored by public authorities.
While granting a final opportunity, the Commission has directed the PIO/SHO, Balongi Police Station, to provide complete information to the applicant and appear personally on the next date of hearing. Failure to do so will lead to the initiation of penal proceedings under the RTI Act.
A copy of the order has also been sent to the SSP Mohali, directing him to ensure compliance. The Commission has warned that the SHO's continued absence, despite repeated notices, amounts to a serious and deliberate violation. The SSP has been asked to consider strict disciplinary action against the officer.
The Commission further clarified that in case of any further defiance, the presence of the PIO concerned will be secured by issuing bailable warrants and recommending disciplinary action to the competent authority.
Both parties have been directed to be present on Feb 17, 2026, at 11:30am, failing which the matter will be decided ex-parte.
The Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) has decided to issue bailable warrants against SHO, Balongi police station after he repeatedly failed to appear before the Commission and did not provide information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The action follows a complaint filed by RTI applicant Sonu Kumar Kanojia, who approached the Commission after the SHO failed to supply requested information. Earlier, the Commission gave both parties an opportunity to present their case in its order dated July 8, 2025. However, in the latest hearing, the appellant informed the Commission that no information was provided to date.
Despite notices, no one appeared on behalf of the respondent for the second consecutive hearing. The Commission noted that even the last order sent to the SHO was returned undelivered with postal remarks stating "refused," indicating deliberate avoidance and disregard for the Commission's directions.
Taking serious note of this conduct, the Commission observed that such behaviour shows "no regard for the orders issued by the Commission." It reiterated that the RTI Act is meant to promote transparency in governance and cannot be ignored by public authorities.
While granting a final opportunity, the Commission has directed the PIO/SHO, Balongi Police Station, to provide complete information to the applicant and appear personally on the next date of hearing. Failure to do so will lead to the initiation of penal proceedings under the RTI Act.
A copy of the order has also been sent to the SSP Mohali, directing him to ensure compliance. The Commission has warned that the SHO's continued absence, despite repeated notices, amounts to a serious and deliberate violation. The SSP has been asked to consider strict disciplinary action against the officer.
The Commission further clarified that in case of any further defiance, the presence of the PIO concerned will be secured by issuing bailable warrants and recommending disciplinary action to the competent authority.
Both parties have been directed to be present on Feb 17, 2026, at 11:30am, failing which the matter will be decided ex-parte.
.JPG)
.JPG)
