The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the state government to file a reply within four weeks in a contempt petition that alleges it failed to comply with earlier court orders. The court’s directive came after a petition was moved to accuse the state of deliberate non-compliance with judicial directives issued in a prior case.
The court, presided over by a division bench, expressed concern over the pattern of delays and lack of adherence by the government to its previous rulings. It asked the state’s legal representatives to provide a clear explanation for the lapse and to submit a compliance affidavit detailing the actions taken so far.
Petition Highlights Repeated Ignorance of Judicial Orders
The petition, filed by an aggrieved party whose name has not been disclosed, accuses the state administration of ignoring binding judicial instructions. The petitioner claims that the government was instructed to implement certain measures, which it failed to do even after the expiry of the deadline.
The court noted that judicial pronouncements are not advisory in nature but carry the weight of law, and warned of further action if the state fails to provide a satisfactory response. Legal experts observe that if contempt is proven, it could lead to serious consequences, including punitive action against responsible officers.
Four-Week Window to Respond
The High Court has now placed the matter for hearing after four weeks, by which time the state must file its official response. The incident has reignited discussions around executive accountability and respect for judicial authority in state functioning.
The ruling adds to a growing list of instances across Indian states where governments have faced scrutiny over the non-implementation of court directives, raising broader concerns over constitutional governance and the separation of powers.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.