The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has taken a stern view regarding the non-compliance of judicial orders and the lack of responsiveness from administrative authorities. In a significant development on Thursday, the single bench presided over by Justice Manish Kumar issued a bailable warrant against the District Magistrate of Bijnor, Jasjit Kaur.
The Court’s directive comes after the official failed to file a response in a contempt petition and did not provide necessary instructions to the state’s legal representation despite receiving a notice.
Background of the Dispute
The proceedings were initiated based on a contempt petition filed by one Vikram Singh. The matter traces its origins to an order passed by the writ court on April 22, 2025.
In the initial ruling, the High Court had directed the Bijnor District-Level Caste Scrutiny Committee to adjudicate the petitioner’s application regarding caste determination. The Court had explicitly set a timeline, mandating that the decision be taken within a period of three months. The District Magistrate serves as the Chairman of this committee.
Allegations of Non-Compliance
The petitioner approached the High Court alleging willful disobedience of the April 22 order. According to the contempt plea, a copy of the High Court’s direction was duly served to the District Magistrate. However, the committee failed to take any decision on the caste scrutiny application within the stipulated three-month period.
The petitioner prayed for the initiation of contempt proceedings and punishment for the District Magistrate for failing to honor the writ court’s directions.
Court’s Observation and Order
During the hearing on Thursday, the lack of communication from the administrative side became the focal point. The Standing Counsel for the State Government informed the Bench that the counter-affidavit could not be filed because the District Magistrate had not contacted the office of the Chief Standing Counsel. Consequently, no instructions were received to prepare the reply.
Expressing strong displeasure over this “attitude” of the officer and the failure to assist the court proceedings, Justice Manish Kumar issued a bailable warrant against DM Jasjit Kaur.
To ensure compliance, the High Court has directed the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Bijnor to execute the warrant and ensure the presence of the District Magistrate before the High Court on the next date of hearing.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 5.
