Times of India: Chandigarh: Saturday, 13 June 2026.
Taking note of the
repeated non-appearance of the district development and panchayat officer
(DDPO), Fazilka, despite being granted several opportunities, the Punjab State
Information Commission has issued bailable warrants against the officer.
The action was ordered by the bench of Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab.
The bench observed that the continuous absence of the DDPO from the proceedings, coupled with the failure to provide the information sought in connection with the appeal case, caused undue delay in the adjudication and final disposal of the matter pending before the commission. Despite being duly notified, the officer failed to appear and assist the commission in the case.
The bench remarked that such conduct not only hampered the timely delivery of justice under the Right to Information Act but also reflected a lack of regard for the authority and proceedings of the commission. The repeated non-compliance has obstructed the effective conclusion of the case and caused inconvenience to the parties involved, it observed.
In view of the persistent absence and to secure the presence of the officer concerned, the bench deems it necessary to issue bailable warrants and direct the DDPO, Fazilka, to appear before it on the next date of hearing, the bench added.
The commission reiterated that all public authorities and officers were duty-bound to cooperate with proceedings under the RTI Act and ensure timely compliance with directions issued by the commission in the interest of transparency, accountability and good governance.
The action was ordered by the bench of Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab.
The bench observed that the continuous absence of the DDPO from the proceedings, coupled with the failure to provide the information sought in connection with the appeal case, caused undue delay in the adjudication and final disposal of the matter pending before the commission. Despite being duly notified, the officer failed to appear and assist the commission in the case.
The bench remarked that such conduct not only hampered the timely delivery of justice under the Right to Information Act but also reflected a lack of regard for the authority and proceedings of the commission. The repeated non-compliance has obstructed the effective conclusion of the case and caused inconvenience to the parties involved, it observed.
In view of the persistent absence and to secure the presence of the officer concerned, the bench deems it necessary to issue bailable warrants and direct the DDPO, Fazilka, to appear before it on the next date of hearing, the bench added.
The commission reiterated that all public authorities and officers were duty-bound to cooperate with proceedings under the RTI Act and ensure timely compliance with directions issued by the commission in the interest of transparency, accountability and good governance.
.JPG)
.JPG)
