The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has retracted its decision to impose an Rs 80 fee for downloading First Information Reports (FIRs) from the Saanjh portal. This reversal occurred shortly after widespread criticism from legal activists and opposition parties. A government notification issued on March 25 confirmed that accessing FIRs online would be free of charge, and no fees would be collected for obtaining copies from Saanjh Kendras.

Legal Challenge in High Court Sparks Swift Reversal

This sudden policy change came just hours after a petition was submitted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, contesting the legality of the fee. The legal action was initiated by advocates Abhishek Malhotra and Vasu Ranjan Shandilya, who argued that the fee contradicted established legal norms and prior court rulings. According to the petitioners, requiring payment for downloading an FIR constitutes not only a fee but also a potential obstacle to justice.

Petitioners Call Fee a ‘Barrier to Justice’

The petition stated, “Charging Rs 80 for downloading an FIR copy and Rs 100 for a DDR copy in Punjab is not just a fee but also a barrier to justice.” The lawyers asserted that such financial charges could hinder access to legal recourse for economically disadvantaged individuals, thereby infringing upon fundamental rights.

Experts Stress FIRs Must Be Free Public Documents

Concerns regarding the previous decision escalated as critics highlighted that FIRs are public documents, which should be readily accessible to all citizens without financial barriers. Legal experts further noted that legislative provisions and observations made by the Supreme Court mandate that complainants should receive a free copy of the FIR, emphasizing that accessibility should not be limited through the imposition of fees.

Opposition Slams Move, Raises Transparency Concerns

Pratap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of Opposition and senior member of the Congress party, strongly condemned the initial decision. He described it as an effort to “silence voices and restrict the press.” On the social media platform ‘X’, Bajwa expressed concerns that the policy might inhibit thorough scrutiny of government actions, suggesting that it was intended to shield the administration from critical examination and inquiries.

Debate Highlights Broader Access and Transparency Issues

The uproar prompted by the proposed fee reflects broader issues surrounding transparency and access to public information in Punjab. Many advocates for legal reform and human rights had expressed alarm over the potential implications of the decision, fearing that it could set a precedent for limiting access to official documents for the public at large.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Free Legal Access

With the withdrawal of the fee, the Punjab government aims to reaffirm its commitment to public service and accessibility of legal documents. The decision is being seen as a positive step towards ensuring that all citizens can engage with legal processes without the burden of additional costs, particularly in a state where access to justice is a contentious issue.

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