Punjab and Haryana High Court slams Haryana over MGNREGA fund misappropriation

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has criticized Haryana authorities for failing to act on an Ombudsman report regarding the misappropriation of funds within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA). The court noted that the report, which detailed the diversion of funds and recommended the registration of a First Information Report (FIR), was submitted as far back as 2023.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor observed that authorities only responded after a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed, remarking that they had “woken up from their deep slumber.” The litigation specifically concerns irregularities in the implementation of the scheme in Block Sampla, Rohtak district.

The court has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Rohtak to appear in person at the next hearing on October 15, 2026, to provide records and updates. The bench warned that if it is not satisfied with the proposed actions, it may refer the matter to an independent agency for investigation to ensure meaningful accountability.