Chandigarh: The Punjab State Information Commission has found serious lapses in the functioning of a block development and panchayat official in Ludhiana, noting prolonged delays, repeated absence from hearings, and wilful defiance of orders in an RTI case. The bench of state information commissioner Harpreet Singh Sandhu has issued bailable warrants and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000.The commission observed that information sought under the Right to Information Act, 2005, was not provided for over 30 months, despite multiple hearings and directions. It noted that the public information officer (PIO) remained absent not only during the latest hearing on March 24, but also on several past dates, reflecting disregard for the commission’s proceedings. It observed that the PIO, block development and panchayat officer, Block II, Ludhiana, appeared to be unmindful and ignored orders issued by the bench in successive hearings, thereby defying them.The bench noted that despite a show-cause notice being issued, neither did the PIO appear before it nor was the requisite information provided to the appellant till date. From these facts, the commission held that the respondent wilfully and intentionally defied its orders, amounting to a gross violation of RTI Act, 2005.The commission cited a judgment of the Supreme Court, observing that such officers must be held accountable and failure to discharge duties under the RTI Act could invite serious consequences.Drawing its conclusions, the commission held that the PIO, without any reasonable cause, malafidely delayed information and rendered himself liable to punishment under RTI Act. It noted that despite being given multiple opportunities, the PIO failed to comply and was therefore held guilty of default in the appeal case. The commission observed that the facts clearly showed the respondent did not deserve any relief.Taking a serious view, the commission imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on the PIO, to be deducted from his salary and deposited in the state treasury. It noted the case reflected grave negligence and a lack of respect for statutory institutions. “That after going through the case file, it emerges that a grave negligence has been made on the part of the PIO by not complying with various orders, passed by the bench. Further, it also transpires that PIO has no respect for the statutory institution,” reads Sandhu’s order.In a stronger step, the commission issued bailable warrants against the PIO, directing him to appear before the commission on May 26 with relevant records. The warrants are to be served through the commissioner of police, Ludhiana. The order underscores systemic concerns over compliance with transparency laws, with the commission stressing the need for accountability in the discharge of duties under the RTI framework.
