Judicial Analysis Court Copy Headnote Facts Arguments Court observation

2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 56232

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
N. NAGARESH, J
JINEESHMON BABU – Appellant
Versus
RT.REV.DR.JOSEPH MAR BARNABAS – Respondent
CON.CASE(C) NO. 1519 OF 2023 | WP(C) NO.15485 OF 2023

Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: SRI.P.HARIDAS, SHRI.BIJU HARIHARAN, SMT.SHIJIMOL M.MATHEW, SRI.P.C.SHIJIN, SRI.RISHIKESH HARIDAS, SMT.RAJASREE T.R., SMT.ROSHIN MARIAM JACOB
For the Respondents: SRI.A.BALAGOPALAN

The law requires willful disobedience for contempt findings; mere lack of communication does not suffice.

Headnote:The Court analyzed the disobedience of its interim order dated 09.05.2023, stating that appointments made prior to the communication of the order do not constitute willful contempt. The matter relates to allegations of contempt regarding appointment processes that occurred following an interim order, with the Court finding no contempt to address. The primary issue framed was whether the applicants willfully disobeyed the order, with the Court concluding that the appointments were lawful as they occurred before the notification was received. The matter is adjudicated and closed as there are no findings of contempt.

Table of Content
1. court discussed the issuance and timing of an interim order regarding recruitment. (Para 1)
2. discussion about communication of the interim order and appointments made. (Para 2)
3. concluded no contempt due to prior communication. (Para 3)

JUDGMENT

Dated this the 2^nd day of December, 2025 This Court passed an interim order on 09.05.2023 staying further proceedings pursuant to Ext.P1 recruitment notification for a period of two weeks. Alleging disobedience to the interim order dated 09.05.2023 of this Court, this Contempt of Court Case is filed.

2. Standing Counsel would submit that the order was communicated to respondents-College authorities only on

15.05.2023 and by that time appointments were already made.

3. As the appointments were made prior to the communication of the interim order, I find that there is no willful disobedience to the lawful orders of this Court warranting contempt of court proceedings. Taking note of the fact that the writ petition is pending, I am of the view that the Contempt of Court Case can be closed.

The Contempt of Court Case is therefore closed.

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2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 56232

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAMN. NAGARESH, JJINEESHMON BABU – AppellantVersusRT.REV.DR.JOSEPH MAR BARNABAS – RespondentCON.CASE(C) NO. 1519 OF 2023 | WP(C) NO.15485 OF 2023

The law requires willful disobedience for contempt findings; mere lack of communication does not suffice.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
N. NAGARESH, J
JINEESHMON BABU – Appellant
Versus
RT.REV.DR.JOSEPH MAR BARNABAS – Respondent
CON.CASE(C) NO. 1519 OF 2023 | WP(C) NO.15485 OF 2023