Punjab Information Commission Takes Unprecedented Action Against Senior Official
In a significant and rare enforcement of authority, the Punjab State Information Commission has issued a bailable warrant against a Punjab Civil Services (PCS) officer for persistent non-compliance with its directives. This action targets Veerpal Kaur, a PCS officer formerly serving as Secretary-cum-SDM at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Faridkot and now posted at RTO, Fazilka, underscoring a serious breach of procedural obligations under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Background of the Case and Initial Hearings
The case originated from an appeal filed by a resident of Mohali in 2023, who sought specific information from the Faridkot RTO. Despite multiple hearings and clear orders from the Commission, the requested details were not provided, leading to escalating disciplinary measures. During earlier proceedings, the Public Information Officer (PIO) was represented by a Data Entry Operator, who cited a leg fracture and medical advice against walking as reasons for the officer's absence. The Commission, in response, granted additional time for the appellant to review any provided information and report deficiencies within 15 days, with instructions for the respondent to address these issues promptly.
Escalation to Show Cause Notice and Continued Defiance
As the officer failed to appear or submit a compliance report, the Commission issued a show cause notice, demanding personal attendance and a detailed response to its order dated September 27, 2023. This order had specifically directed the PCS officer to investigate the matter and ensure the filing of an FIR regarding missing records. However, at subsequent hearings, no appearance or written reply was forthcoming, which the Commission criticized as reflecting a casual and dismissive attitude towards its authority. Further correspondence, including a letter dated January 16, 2026, from the current PIO at Faridkot RTO, went unanswered, exacerbating the non-compliance.
Issuance of Bailable Warrant as Final Measure
In the latest development, with the officer repeatedly ignoring warnings, State Information Commissioner Pooja Gupta authorized the issuance of a bailable warrant. This directive mandates the Senior Superintendent of Police in Fazilka to serve the warrant on the PIO at the Fazilka RTO, compelling her appearance before the Commission at the next hearing scheduled for March 18. This step marks a pivotal moment in upholding transparency and accountability within Punjab's administrative framework, signaling that evasion of RTI responsibilities will not be tolerated.
Implications for Governance and Public Trust
This case highlights critical issues in the implementation of the RTI Act, where delays and non-responsiveness from officials can undermine public access to information. The Commission's assertive action serves as a warning to other government functionaries about the consequences of disregarding statutory obligations. It reinforces the principle that senior officials must adhere to legal mandates to maintain integrity in public service, fostering greater trust among citizens in governmental processes.
