Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has initiated contempt of court proceedings against Renu S Phullia, a 2003-batch IAS officer from the Haryana cadre, for allegedly violating a court-recorded undertaking related to the State Eligibility Test in Computer Appreciation and Applications (SETC) for government clerks. Justice Harpreet Kaur Jeewan passed the order while hearing a contempt petition filed by Chander Pal.
Phullia, who retired in November 2024, has been directed to appear in person before the court on April 28, 2026, to respond to the contempt charges.
SETC: The Core Issue
The controversy revolves around the SETC, a mandatory examination conducted by the Haryana State Electronics Development Corporation Limited to ensure IT literacy among government clerks. The test includes an objective computer knowledge assessment and a typing speed test. For existing clerks, clearing the SETC is a precondition for receiving annual increments and promotions.
The petitioner, Chander Pal, along with other employees, had challenged a state notification dated November 17, 2018, which made SETC compulsory for all current clerks. In a related case, a larger bench had, on February 21, 2019, recorded a government statement stipulating that November 7, 2013, would be the cut-off date — only those promoted after this date would need to clear the SETC.
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Alleged U-Turn by Department
Following the bench’s order, the Haryana Chief Secretary issued instructions on May 1, 2019, ensuring compliance. However, the petitioner alleged that Renu S Phullia, while serving as director of the Women and Child Development Department, unilaterally withdrew a benefit granted to him by an order dated September 18, 2020.
The court observed that this withdrawal was “prima facie violative of the statement recorded/undertaking given before the larger bench” and found a clear case of civil contempt. A notice of accusation has been issued under Sections 10 and 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, which allows the HC to impose a fine or simple imprisonment of up to six months.
About Renu S Phullia
Ms Phullia, born on November 23, 1964, is a 2003-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre. She holds an MBA and multiple post-graduate diplomas from IGNOU, Delhi. Over her career, she has held prominent positions including –
- Commissioner, Ambala Division
- Director General, Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes, Haryana
- Secretary, Welfare of SC & BC Department, Haryana
- Secretary, Home-1 & Home-2, Haryana (2024)
Phullia has been involved in significant administrative decisions, including revoking a 20-year-old stay on a Panchkula land parcel in 2023, which was later reversed by her successor.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Renu S Phullia is expected to appear before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in April 2026 to respond to the contempt charges. The case highlights the judiciary’s scrutiny over adherence to court-recorded undertakings and compliance with government notifications concerning mandatory qualifications for public servants.
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