Petitioners to Provide Notification Challenging Information Charges for Missing Items and Theft Reports
In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has adjourned the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Abhishek Malhotra challenging the facilitation charges imposed by the State of Punjab for obtaining information on missing articles and copies of untraced reports related to stolen vehicles, road accidents, and theft cases. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, directed the petitioners to submit the notification under challenge, which was not presented during the proceedings.
During the court session on April 1, 2026, the petitioner's counsel was questioned regarding the duration for which the facilitation charges of Rs. 20 for missing articles and mobiles, and Rs. 50 for untraced report copies, have been levied. The counsel, however, could not provide an immediate response and requested an adjournment to gather the necessary information.
The court noted the absence of the relevant notification on record, which is central to the petition challenging the state's decision to impose these charges. The bench has given the petitioners until April 23, 2026, to produce the required notification, post which the case will be heard again.
This case highlights the ongoing debate over the state's right to impose facilitation charges for public services, and the petitioners argue that such charges may be burdensome for citizens seeking essential information. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for similar charges levied across different states.
Bottom Line:
Notification of 'Facilitation Charges' issued by Govt. of Punjab from PP Sanjh Portal qua downloading FIR, DDR, Lost Information Report, Missing Article Report, Action Taken Report on Complaint is under scanner in the Public Interest Litigation filed by Council of Lawyers.
Advocates Appeared : Abhishek Malhotra & Vasu Ranjan Shandilya
Statutory provision(s): Constitution of India, Punjab Police Rules, Human Rights Act
