Punjab Govt rapped in VIP Number Scam Case; HC imposes fine over delay in filing response

March 30, 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken serious cognizance of the scam involving VIP registration numbers in Ferozepur and the alleged collusion of officials therein.

The Court has imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on the Punjab government for failing to file a status report despite repeated orders. The Court made it clear that this constitutes the final opportunity to file a response, and no further leniency will be granted thereafter.

During the hearing of the case, when the counsel for the Punjab government once again sought an extension of time, the Justice expressed strong displeasure. The government’s counsel argued that the Transport Department had prepared the status report and that it would be submitted to the Court within a week.

Responding sharply to this, the High Court remarked that similar assurances were given during the previous hearing as well, yet nothing has materialized thus far. The Court sternly directed the government to cease taking its orders lightly.

Government Counsel States: Two Cases Running Concurrently

Explaining the delay, the government counsel submitted that two separate litigations pertaining to the same subject—VIP registration numbers—are proceeding in parallel; consequently, the process of gathering data and preparing a response is proving time-consuming.

Dismissing this contention, the Court observed that the government possesses a vast contingent of Law Officers. Despite having such extensive resources at its disposal, a glaring lack of coordination is evident. The Court asserted that this constitutes a clear-cut case of administrative negligence.