Allahabad HC Detains UP Official For Contempt Of Court; Slaps Fine

The Allahabad High Court detained Rajnish Chandra, Special Secretary in Uttar Pradesh’s Department of Social Welfare, for contempt of court over his failure to implement a previous judgment.

Justice Salil Kumar Rai issued the order during a hearing on a contempt plea filed by Suman Devi, a retired assistant teacher. Devi alleged that despite a court directive on March 4, her salary had not been released.

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Chandra apologized during the proceedings, but the court dismissed his apology as an attempt to evade accountability. Justice Rai described the apology as insincere and ordered Chandra’s detention until the court adjourned.

In addition to the detention, the High Court imposed a fine of ₹2,000 on Chandra, directing him to pay the amount to the Registrar General by January 4, 2025.

This ruling underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on ensuring compliance with its orders and holding government officials accountable. The court’s decision sends a clear message about the consequences of disregarding judicial directives.