Srinagar, Dec 06: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Monday issued contempt notice against Secretary to Government Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department to explain why contempt proceedings be not initiated for "willful disobedience" of the court judgement.
The court directed the Registry to issue a contempt notice against Sheetal Nanda, holding the office of Secretary to Government Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department asking her as to why proceedings under Contempt of Courts Act not be initiated against her.
The court of Justice Sanjay Dhar while hearing a contempt plea of helpers/orderlies working in Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department seeking implementation of judgement passed by the court on August 10, 2017 wherein it had directed re-designation of 1324 helpers working in J&K.
Justice Dhar recorded that since the judgment was passed, the hapless petitioners are still struggling to get the judgment of the writ court implemented.
"What comes to fore from the statement of facts is that the respondents have simply dragged the case by examining and re-examining it at several levels without actually implementing the judgment of the Writ Court," the court said.
The court recorded that the series of statement of facts filed by the respondents in this case only reflects either "lethargy and mediocrity" in the functioning of the offices of the respondents or their willful disobedience to the judgment of the Writ Court.
In both the cases, Justice Dhar observed, the situation cannot be termed as ideal.
"It is high time that the respondent is dealt with sternly so that the judgment of this Court is not treated with disdain, particularly when the judgment has acquired finality and there is nothing on record to show that the same has been challenged before any higher forum," the court said.
Earlier, the government authorities stated before the court that a proposal giving all details including the recommendations of the committee, jurisdiction, impact of re-designation, fitment in seniority list, implications in other cadres etc as advised by General Administrative Department in respect of 945 helpers of Rural Development Department Kashmir in the departmental hierarchies is under active consideration of the department.
However, the court pointed out that the authorities have filed only statement after statement but not implemented the court order on ground.
The court listed the matter for hearing on February 03, 2022.