BATTU DEVANAND THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE CONTEMPT CASE No.657 of 2022

ORDER:

This Contempt Case is filed against the respondents complaining wilful disobedience of the order, dated 26.10.2021 in W.P.No.24466 of 2021.

2. During the course of hearing today, it is brought to the notice of this Court that the order of the Court is complied in the month of January, 2026.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner also endorsed the same.

4. Although, learned counsel for the respondents submit several reasons for non compliance of the order within time stipulated in the said order, this Court is not inclined to accept those reasons and expresses its displeasure over such abnormal delay. The respondents-officials should keep in mind that the orders passed by the Courts are required to be implemented strictly within the time frame stipulated therein. If the respondents are aggrieved by the order, it is always open to them to prefer an appeal, if so advised. But, as and when, the order is in existence, it is their duty and responsibility to implement the order in true letter and spirit, within the time frame.

5. Further, this Court has noticed that some of the respondent- officials have retired from service and some others have been transferred to different places. This Court is very conscious of the fact that retirement or transfer of an official does not absolve such official from the liability to comply with the orders of the Court, nor does it shield them from punishment in contempt proceedings, if this Court is satisfied that they were responsible for the non-compliance of the order.

6. The respondents appearing before this Court tendered their unconditional apology for the delay in implementing the order of this Court and assured that such lapses will not repeat in the future.

7. In view of the facts and circumstances of the case, and being satisfied that the unconditional apologies tendered by the respondents are bona fide, this Court accepts the same.

8. Accordingly, this contempt case is closed.

The respondents-officials shall be more vigilant and cautious in implementing the orders of this Court, in true letter and spirit, within the time stipulated by the Court, in future.

9. There shall be no order as to costs.

Consequently, Miscellaneous Petitions, if any, pending in the Contempt Case shall stand closed.

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JUSTICE BATTU DEVANAND Date: 23.01.2026 PKR BATTU DEVANAND THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE

211 CONTEMPT CASE No.657 of 2022 Date: 23.01.2026 PKR