THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Information Commission has imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 each on five officers, including two retired officers, for hiding the service book of a colleague for 23 years. Right to Information Commissioner AA Hakim also ordered that revenue recovery should be done if the persons fail to pay the fine by September 5.

The action is against retired superintendents MM Sivaraman, S. Prasad, Superintendent SJ Kavitha, clerks KB Geethumol, and J Revathi of the Idukki DMO office.

The incident took place at the Idukki District Medical Office. The officials said that the service book of TC Jayaraj, who was the Deputy District Health and Education Officer, was sent to the AG's office in 2000 and was not returned. Therefore, even after his retirement, his annual increment was not recorded in the service book. Meanwhile, Jayaraj died of cancer. Yet, the service book was not found. No entries were made and the benefits were not given. Pension was also not determined.

Following this, Jayarajan's family approached the Information Commission. After the intervention of the Information Commission, the service book was found within 24 hours.