The Punjab and Haryana high court has summoned the Rohtak deputy commissioner (DC) to appear in person on October 15, along with relevant records, over alleged inaction against officials indicted in a probe into misappropriation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds.
The petitioner also alleged that he was physically assaulted when he visited the SDO’s office. He submitted a photograph to the court in support of his claim.
“A perusal of the record would indicate that no action was taken on the recommendations made by the MGNREGA Lokpal for more than three years. The court urged the state to sensitise its officers to handle allegations of financial misappropriation seriously and promptly. It is only after the filing of the PIL and the issuance of court directions that an FIR was registered in September 2026 against one individual, while the officers specifically implicated in the report of the Lokpal have not been proceeded against,” the court observed, adding that the DC’s affidavit basically relies upon the same officer against whom the allegations were made. It directed that the order be sent immediately to the chief secretary, who would ensure the DC’s appearance with relevant records on October 15.
“There is an apparent lack of application of mind in the DC’s affidavit,” the court remarked.
The court warned that if it was not satisfied with the proposed action, it would consider referring the matter to an independent agency for investigation.
