Haryana Right to Service Commission Issues Directions in Property ID Case, Orders Compensation to Complainant

Chandigarh, February 27 — The Haryana Right to Service Commission, after considering all facts and circumstances in the case related to issuance of a new property ID to Ambala resident Smt. Surjit Kaur, has issued necessary directions. During the review of the matter, the Commission emphasized the need to make the administrative process more effective and transparent.

It came to the notice of the Commission that the complainant’s appeals had been rejected at the level of the First Grievance Redressal Authority (FGRA). Subsequently, following an interim order passed by the Commission on 09.02.2026, the concerned property was shown under the authorized category.

Earlier, in its reply submitted on 04.02.2026, the Municipal Corporation had stated that the plot was not authorized. However, after the Commission sought detailed facts, it was clarified that the property is located on the boundary between the village limits and the authorized area.

In its observations, the Commission also noted that under the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014, FGRA and SGRA are required to dispose of appeals within 30 working days. The Commission suggested that citizens’ grievances should, as far as possible, be resolved at the initial level itself so that they are not compelled to approach higher authorities.

The Commission has issued show-cause notices under Regulation 10 of the Haryana Right to Service (Management) Regulations, 2015 to the then FGRA who rejected the appeal on 09.10.2025 and to the officer who rejected the appeal on 01.12.2025.

Both officers have been asked to explain under Section 17(1)(d) of the Act why a recommendation for departmental action should not be made to the State Government.

Taking in to account the inconvenience caused to the complainant, the Commission has directed payment of ₹5,000 as compensation in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The amount will initially be paid from the funds of the Municipal Corporation, Ambala, and may be recovered from the concerned officials as per rules.

The Commission further directed that if the compensation is not paid by 13.03.2026, action will be initiated under Section 17(2) of the Act, and additional penalty and compensation may also be imposed, if necessary.

The Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ambala, has been directed to submit a compliance report by 16.03.2026. The concerned FGRA has also been sent a copy of the order and asked to submit an explanation by 09.03.2026.

It is noteworthy that the State Government has made it clear that strict action is being taken, and will continue to be taken, against officers who show negligence or cause unnecessary delay in providing citizen services.

The Commission reiterated that the State Government is committed to ensuring that citizen services are delivered in a timely, transparent, and effective manner, and that all officers should act in accordance with this spirit.