The Times of India: Chandigarh: Monday, 15 June 2026.
Stressing that the Right to Information (RTI) Act is intended to bring government actions carried out behind "closed doors" into the public domain, the Punjab State Information Commission has underscored the law's role in promoting transparency and accountability while pulling up officials for what it termed a "casual and callous" approach towards an RTI application.
The observations were made
by state information commissioner Dr Bhupinder Batth while hearing an appeal
filed by a Faridkot resident who had sought information from the office of the
tehsildar, Jaito.
"The Act is meant for promoting transparency in government functioning by bringing to light actions done behind closed doors so that citizens are kept well informed of the functioning of public authorities, thereby strengthening democracy," the commission observed.
At the same time, it noted that the RTI Act should not be used as a substitute for availing services available under other statutes in matters that do not involve examining the functioning of a public authority.
During the hearing, the appellant submitted that no information had been provided despite the RTI application. The respondent public information officer (PIO) neither appeared before the commission nor deputed any representative.
The commission noted that the PIO had remained absent on the previous hearing as well. While the official had earlier cited election duty, an email sent before the latest hearing said the officer was occupied with ward-related work at the Municipal Council, Jaito, and sought another date.
Taking a serious view of the matter, the commission observed that the public authority had displayed "complete negligence and laxity" in dealing with the RTI application.
"It is abundantly clear that such matters are being ignored and set aside without application of mind, reflecting disrespect towards the RTI Act itself," the order said.
While expressing displeasure over the respondent's conduct, the commission decided to grant one final opportunity before initiating penal proceedings under Section 20 of the RTI Act. The PIO has been directed to ensure that complete and accurate information is furnished to applicants in a timely manner.
The commission also brought the matter to the notice of the Faridkot deputy commissioner, noting that despite repeated notices, neither the PIO nor any junior official had appeared before it.
Warning of strict action in case of continued non-compliance, the commission said the PIO's presence could be secured through bailable warrants and disciplinary action could be recommended under the provisions of the Act. The next hearing is scheduled for Sept 3.
Stressing that the Right to Information (RTI) Act is intended to bring government actions carried out behind "closed doors" into the public domain, the Punjab State Information Commission has underscored the law's role in promoting transparency and accountability while pulling up officials for what it termed a "casual and callous" approach towards an RTI application.
"The Act is meant for promoting transparency in government functioning by bringing to light actions done behind closed doors so that citizens are kept well informed of the functioning of public authorities, thereby strengthening democracy," the commission observed.
At the same time, it noted that the RTI Act should not be used as a substitute for availing services available under other statutes in matters that do not involve examining the functioning of a public authority.
During the hearing, the appellant submitted that no information had been provided despite the RTI application. The respondent public information officer (PIO) neither appeared before the commission nor deputed any representative.
The commission noted that the PIO had remained absent on the previous hearing as well. While the official had earlier cited election duty, an email sent before the latest hearing said the officer was occupied with ward-related work at the Municipal Council, Jaito, and sought another date.
Taking a serious view of the matter, the commission observed that the public authority had displayed "complete negligence and laxity" in dealing with the RTI application.
"It is abundantly clear that such matters are being ignored and set aside without application of mind, reflecting disrespect towards the RTI Act itself," the order said.
While expressing displeasure over the respondent's conduct, the commission decided to grant one final opportunity before initiating penal proceedings under Section 20 of the RTI Act. The PIO has been directed to ensure that complete and accurate information is furnished to applicants in a timely manner.
The commission also brought the matter to the notice of the Faridkot deputy commissioner, noting that despite repeated notices, neither the PIO nor any junior official had appeared before it.
Warning of strict action in case of continued non-compliance, the commission said the PIO's presence could be secured through bailable warrants and disciplinary action could be recommended under the provisions of the Act. The next hearing is scheduled for Sept 3.
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