CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Chief Information Commissioner has raised issues with the Municipal Corporation of Amritsar regarding their failure to locate records for a significant commercial complex. Concerns were expressed about record management, adherence to building regulations, and accountability as per the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The Chief Information Commission, led by Chief Information Commissioner Inderpal Singh, reviewed an appeal from an Amritsar resident who requested information about a multi-storeyed commercial complex. The inquiries included ownership details, approved building plans, parking provisions, any deviations from the approved plans, and related actions taken.
During the hearing, the public information officer mentioned that without a General Registration number, the Town Planning Wing could not locate records for the “Ganpati Tower” on Lawrence Road. However, they confirmed that property tax information had been gathered and shared with the appellant.
The officer also stated that no construction activity had occurred in recent years, and no complaints had warranted an on-site survey. It was clarified that any action regarding potential violations could not proceed, as the RTI application does not qualify as a complaint under the RTI Act, 2005.
The Commission noted the significant size of the complex, which consists of over 75 shops across five floors, located in a prime area of the city. The appellant highlighted insufficient parking facilities as a concern.
The Commission expressed dissatisfaction with the Town Planning Wing’s claim that they could not retrieve information on the sanctioned plan. They also acknowledged that the Department of Local Government has a Chief Vigilance Officer and manages various complaints statewide.
In light of these findings, the Commission utilized its authority under Section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005, and directed that a copy of the order be sent to the Principal Secretary of the Government of Punjab, Department of Local Government, for investigation. They requested a report by January 14, 2026, addressing the validity of the respondent’s assertion regarding the necessity of obtaining a GR number, the actions taken to acquire building plan details, the capabilities of municipal corporations to independently retrieve such information, and the feasibility of constructing commercial buildings without sufficient parking.
