Times of India: Chandigarh: Tuesday,
June 23, 2026.
The Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) has issued bailable warrants against the block development and panchayat officer (BDPO) of Jalalabad block in Fazilka district for repeatedly failing to appear before it or comply with directions in an RTI case pending since 2023.
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State
Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu ordered the action after the officer
failed to furnish information sought through an RTI application filed on Sept
6, 2023, despite repeated opportunities and a show-cause notice.
The Commission noted that the public information officer (PIO) neither submitted a reply nor appeared before it, causing unnecessary delay in the adjudication of the matter.
Sandhu observed that the officer's conduct reflected "gross negligence, lack of diligence and disregard" for the Commission's proceedings and had impeded its effective functioning.
Invoking powers under Section 18(3)(a) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the Commission ordered the issuance of bailable warrants to secure the officer's presence.
The senior superintendent of police, Fazilka, has been directed to ensure service of the warrants and produce the officer, along with the requisite information related to the RTI application, before the Commission on Aug 28.
Reiterating the responsibilities of public information officers under the RTI Act, the Commission cautioned that deliberate disregard of statutory obligations could invite appropriate action under the law.
The Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) has issued bailable warrants against the block development and panchayat officer (BDPO) of Jalalabad block in Fazilka district for repeatedly failing to appear before it or comply with directions in an RTI case pending since 2023.
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The Commission noted that the public information officer (PIO) neither submitted a reply nor appeared before it, causing unnecessary delay in the adjudication of the matter.
Sandhu observed that the officer's conduct reflected "gross negligence, lack of diligence and disregard" for the Commission's proceedings and had impeded its effective functioning.
Invoking powers under Section 18(3)(a) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the Commission ordered the issuance of bailable warrants to secure the officer's presence.
The senior superintendent of police, Fazilka, has been directed to ensure service of the warrants and produce the officer, along with the requisite information related to the RTI application, before the Commission on Aug 28.
Reiterating the responsibilities of public information officers under the RTI Act, the Commission cautioned that deliberate disregard of statutory obligations could invite appropriate action under the law.
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