Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser called on ministers to confirm when they would publish the documents.
“This unprecedented step from the information commissioner comes after the SNP have shamefully and repeatedly refused to comply with his deadlines for releasing these files,” he said.
“It sums up John Swinney’s approach to governing which is characterised by an addiction to secrecy and cover-up.
“They are clearly more interested in protecting their own reputation and squandering taxpayers’ money rather than doing the right thing.”
Labour’s deputy leader in Scotland, Jackie Baillie, said the SNP were taking their “culture of secrecy and cover-up to new levels”.
She said: “This arrogant SNP government thinks it is above the law.
“Not only are John Swinney and the SNP riding roughshod over transparency laws in order to protect their own reputations, but they are forcing taxpayers to pick up the bill.
“Scottish Labour will follow the law, release the documents and put an end to the SNP’s Secret Scotland.”