Sanjay Mishra/Chandigarh  

The Punjab State Information Commission, while hearing a case, has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the issuance of a police clearance certificate to a person facing criminal charges. 

A spokesperson of the Commission stated that during the hearing of Appeal Case No. 3820/2023, filed by Ms. Geetika, daughter of Mr. Anil Kumar, resident of Gurdwara Marg, Makhu Tehsil Zira, District Ferozepur, against the Public Information Officer, Office of ADCP-3, Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana, and the First Appellate Authority, Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana, it came to light that Sahil Malhotra, son of Rakesh Malhotra and Mamta Rani, resident of Plot No. 90, Street No. 5, New Shivpuri Road, Preet Nagar, Ludhiana, had a case registered against him (FIR No. 22 dated 03.12.2018 at Women Cell, Ferozepur) under Sections 498-A and 406 of the IPC. 

Despite this, he was issued a police clearance certificate by Punjab Police for obtaining a passport.  

After hearing the matter, the Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab, Shri Inderpal Singh Dhanna, directed the Director General of Police, Punjab, to constitute an SIT and conduct a thorough inquiry into the case. The SIT has been asked to submit its report to the Commission within six months.  

Additionally, the Commission has ordered strict action against officers and employees who furnished incorrect information to the Punjab State Information Commission in this matter.