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Initiates Contempt Against UP Principal Secretary Ranvir Prasad for Disobeying Orders
In a significant development, the has ordered the registration of proceedings against Ranvir Prasad, the Principal Secretary of the . The Division Bench of Justice J.J. Munir and Justice Indrajeet Shukla found that Prasad's actions amounted to a of an earlier judicial directive requiring arbitration to commence within four months.
Background: A Dispute Over Paddy Supply
The case originated from a dispute between and the concerning the quantity of paddy supplied, as well as issues related to holding charges and statutory dues. The agreement between the parties contained an . On , a Division Bench of the High Court had ordered that the matter be referred to an arbitrator, who was directed to decide all claims within four months. The court also granted against recovery for that period.
The Contemptuous Act
Instead of promptly referring the matter to arbitration as directed, the matter was sent to the State Government. The Principal Secretary, Ranvir Prasad, then issued an order stating that arbitration was not maintainable because the petitioner had not complied with the terms of Government Orders dated and regarding deposits. The High Court viewed this as a direct challenge to its authority.
Court's Strong Observations
The bench observed that Prasad's order
"
is an act of
of the order of the Division Bench dated
… and
, therefore, also a
."
Emphasizing a fundamental legal principle, the court stated,
"It is a
that any order that is in violation of a judicial order passed by a court of competent jurisdiction much less this Court is
."
The judges further noted that Prasad, being fully aware of the court's orders, had shown
"the audacity to say that the arbitration is not maintainable because the terms of the Government Orders have not been complied with."
This, the court held, was
.
Decision and Directions
The High Court admitted the petition and directed the matter to be placed before the Chief Justice for the registration of a separate against Ranvir Prasad. It also suspended the operation of the dated and from the petitioner until further orders. The court ordered that its order be communicated to the Principal Secretary and the District Magistrate, Prayagraj, within 24 hours.
The case is next listed for orders on .
