Times of India: Mumbai: Wednesday, 8th July
2026.
Chandigarh: The Punjab State Information Commission has issued bailable warrants against a panchayat secretary for failing to appear before it despite repeated notices.
State information
commissioner Harpreet Sandhu passed the order against public information
officer (PIO) and panchayat secretary posted at Wazir Bhullar gram panchayat in
Rayya block of Amritsar district.
A show-cause notice was earlier issued to the PIO in connection with an appeal arising from a RTI application of Feb 26, 2024, but he failed to appear.
The commission said the continued absence of the officer delayed adjudication of the appeal and adversely affected the proceedings, terming his conduct as gross negligence. "This reflected a lack of diligence and disregard for the proceedings. All PIOs are duty-bound to comply with the provisions of the RTI Act and attend proceedings whenever required," the commission said, warning that deliberate non-compliance could invite action under the Act.
Exercising powers under Section 18(3)(a) of the RTI Act, the commission ordered the issuance of bailable warrants against the erring official. It also directed Amritsar (Rural) SSP to ensure service of the warrants and secure the officer's presence before it on Oct 9 at 11 am, along with the information sought in the RTI application.
Chandigarh: The Punjab State Information Commission has issued bailable warrants against a panchayat secretary for failing to appear before it despite repeated notices.
A show-cause notice was earlier issued to the PIO in connection with an appeal arising from a RTI application of Feb 26, 2024, but he failed to appear.
The commission said the continued absence of the officer delayed adjudication of the appeal and adversely affected the proceedings, terming his conduct as gross negligence. "This reflected a lack of diligence and disregard for the proceedings. All PIOs are duty-bound to comply with the provisions of the RTI Act and attend proceedings whenever required," the commission said, warning that deliberate non-compliance could invite action under the Act.
Exercising powers under Section 18(3)(a) of the RTI Act, the commission ordered the issuance of bailable warrants against the erring official. It also directed Amritsar (Rural) SSP to ensure service of the warrants and secure the officer's presence before it on Oct 9 at 11 am, along with the information sought in the RTI application.
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