Director, General Health Services, Haryana show caused for non-compliance of earlier orders of CIC

Central Information Commission (CIC): While coming down heavily upon Director, General Health Services, Haryana for non-compliance of earlier orders of CIC, the Commission directed him to provide complete details about facilities and concessions given by the Government to Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon. Before the Commission, the appellant sought information in relation to medical lapses that allegedly resulted in the death of former Chief Justice of India, J.S. Verma. The appellant also sought complete file notings and correspondence including application for allotment of land to Medanta Hospital (where the former Chief Justice breathed his last) and prevailing market rate and circle rate of land in that area, at the time of allotment of land to Medanta Hospital. Earlier seeking the said information, the appellant had approached PIO, Directorate of Health Service, GNCTD, Delhi and the First Appellate Authority but was not satisfied with the response. Claiming non-furnishing of information sought, the appellant approached the Commission in Second Appeal. During the course of proceedings before CIC, the Commission directed Department of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Haryana and HUDA, Gurgaon to furnish the required information to appellant. When the matter came up before the Commission for compliance, the Commission directed CPIO of HUDA to produce the file notings of allotment of land, application of Medanta, and the prevailing market rate and circle rate of land in that area, at the time of allotment to Medanta Hospital before the Commission. While reprimanding the Director, General Health Services, Government of Haryana for non-compliance of earlier orders of CIC, the Commission further noted, “The Commission also directs CPIO/Director General Health Services, Government of Haryana to show cause why maximum penalty should not be imposed against him for not complying with the direction of the Commission, the explanation should reach the Commission within 3 weeks of receipt of this Order. He is also directed to provide complete details about facilities and concessions given by them to Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon.” [Subhash Chandra Agrawal v. Directorate of Health Services, GNCTD, Delhi,  decided on October 21, 2015]