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Chandigarh: Punjab info panel recommends action against Kharar EO for RTI delay
The Punjab State Information Commission has recommended disciplinary action against the Kharar municipal council's executive officer for delaying RTI responses and ignoring directives. The case, filed by Rajiv Mohammad, saw the EO fail to reply and not appear at two hearings in January and March 2026, prompting a show-cause and a disciplinary action recommendation. A hearing is listed for May 12, 2026 in Chandigarh.
Why It Matters
This case highlights enforcement of RTI obligations and accountability for public information officers in Punjab, illustrating how non-compliance is treated by the information commission.
Timeline
3 Events
May 12, 2026: Matter listed for hearing in Chandigarh
May 12, 2026
The Punjab State Information Commission listed the matter for hearing on May 12, 2026 in Chandigarh.
March 19, 2026: Second hearing held; EO again fails to appear; disciplinary action recommended
March 19, 2026
At the second hearing, the EO again failed to appear and made no written submissions. The commission described the absence as a willful disregard of its orders and a possible violation of the RTI Act. Subsequently, Chief Information Commissioner Inderpal Singh recommended disciplinary action against the officer.
January 22, 2026: EO fails to appear; show-cause notice issued; hearing scheduled for March 19, 2026
January 22, 2026
The EO did not appear before the Punjab State Information Commission despite formal notice and did not submit a reply to the RTI request. The commission issued a show-cause notice to the officer and scheduled the next hearing for March 19, 2026.