Punjab should fill Information Commissioner posts by Dec 15 or else...: Punjab & Haryana High Court

The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently directed the State of Punjab to fill two vacant State Information Commissioner posts by December 15, 2024. [Parvinder Singh Kittna v. State of Punjab and others]

A Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal warned that it would take coercive measures against State functionaries if the positions remain vacant beyond the stipulated deadline.

 “This Court deems it appropriate to keep this petition pending to ensure compliance, as assured by the learned State counsel. Failing this, the Court may take coercive steps against any of the functionaries of the State of Punjab,” the order stated.

The State informed the Court that the selection process is progressing, with a shortlist of candidates already prepared for consideration.

Notably, this petition marks the second instance of litigation on the same issue.

Earlier, in a hearing on August 12 this year, the Court had directed the State to expedite the selection process and complete it by August 30.

The State, however, did not meet this deadline.

 “This is the second round of litigation after disposal of the earlier writ petitions i.e. CWP-PIL-139-2024 titled Nikhil Thamman Vs State of Punjab and others as well as CWP-PIL-155-2024 titled Ganga Singh Gopera Vs State of Punjab and others by this Court vide order dated 12.08.2024, wherein the State of Punjab was directed to conclude the process of selection, preferably, by 30.08.202,” the Court noted.

The Court will next hear the matter on December 16, 2024.

Advocates Vikram Bajaj and HC Arora  appeared on behalf of the petitioner, while Additional Advocate General Anurag Goyal appeared for the State.

[Read order]