Jammu Bench sets final four-week deadline – failure to comply may lead to personal appearance and coercive action
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu Bench, has issued a sharp warning to the officials involved in the contempt case C.P./404/2025 (Jammu), connected to O.A./418/2024 – Amitoz Singh Sudan vs. Ram Niwas Sharma, IAS, and Others, for failing to implement the Tribunal’s directives despite repeated opportunities.
Tribunal Gives Last Chance to File Compliance Report
During the recent hearing, the Tribunal observed that the contemnors have consistently neglected to file the mandatory compliance report. Taking a strict stance, the Bench granted them a final period of four weeks to submit the report, cautioning that this would be their last opportunity to comply with the earlier order.
Warning of Coercive Measures for Continued Defiance
The CAT made it explicit that if the contemnors fail to meet this deadline, they will be required to appear personally before the Bench on the next hearing date. They will also need to justify why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for willful non-compliance. The order also mentions that coercive legal measures will follow if the defiance persists.
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Background of the Contempt Proceedings
This contempt case stems from a previous order in the original application filed by Amitoz Singh Sudan, wherein the Tribunal had directed the authorities, including IAS officer Ram Niwas Sharma, to take specific administrative actions within a defined timeframe. The current proceedings were initiated due to the respondents’ failure to adhere to those directions.
Tribunal Reinforces Judicial Accountability
By issuing this order, the CAT emphasized that obedience to judicial orders is not optional. It reaffirmed the Tribunal’s commitment to enforcing accountability among government officials and ensuring that its directives are executed in both letter and spirit. Contempt proceedings, the order noted, are a serious legal mechanism used when individuals or authorities disregard the orders of a judicial body.
Next Steps in the Case
The contemnors now have a four-week window to submit their compliance report. The matter will be reviewed on the next scheduled hearing, and failure to comply could lead to personal summons and potential legal consequences for the officials involved.
