High Court Slaps ₹25,000 Fine on Punjab Deputy Director for License Delay
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday, August 8, 2025, imposed a ₹25,000 fine on a Deputy Director for unfairly rejecting a fair price shop license transfer application.
The court found the rejection to be in violation of established guidelines that permitted the head office to consider such transfers. The Deputy Director’s actions were deemed a blatant disregard for the petitioner’s rights.
The High Court directed the Deputy Director to personally bear the ₹25,000 fine within a period of two months. Failure to comply will likely result in further punitive action.
This ruling underscores the importance of adhering to established procedures and respecting the rights of citizens seeking legitimate business licenses. The case serves as a strong warning to government officials against arbitrary decisions impacting livelihoods. The impact on the fair price shop system and access to essential commodities for consumers remains a key concern.
