Punjab Government has appointed senior advocate Inderpal Singh, commonly known as ‘Dhanna’, as the new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of the state. The appointment has received the official nod from Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

 Inderpal Singh, a close friend of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will succeed retired IPS officer and former Director General of Police Suresh Arora, whose term as CIC concluded three months ago. The official swearing-in ceremony date is yet to be announced.

 Hailing from Hoshiarpur, 60-year-old Inderpal Singh brings a wealth of legal experience to the position. His legal journey began in 1989, and he has since served on the panel of the Union of India, acted as the standing counsel for the British High Commission, and held the position of vice-chairman of the Punjab and Haryana Bar Council.

 The senior advocate was appointed as the Senior Additional Advocate-General by the State Government in August 2022, showcasing his prominent standing in the legal community. Known for his social service initiatives, Inderpal Singh has established a strong identity in his hometown.

 The appointment of Inderpal Singh as the Chief Information Commissioner comes at a time when speculation was rife about the possible selection of former Additional Chief Secretary A Venu Prasad in the same role. The unexpected decision has raised eyebrows, given the earlier buzz surrounding Venu Prasad’s potential appointment.

 Inderpal Singh's reputation as a lawyer specializing in criminal cases adds a unique dimension to his new role as CIC. Additionally, his family has a rich legal history, with his grandfather, Harbakhsh Singh, being a prominent barrister and Deputy Speaker in the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Even his great-grandfather, Gulab Singh, served as a Sessions Judge.

Notably, Inderpal Singh has two daughters who are also lawyers, continuing the family tradition in the legal profession. Furthermore, his son is currently pursuing legal studies.