Madasi Kurva Rama Krishnudu v. Sri S. Satyanarayana,

THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE RAMESH RANGANATHAN AND THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE D.V.S.S.SOMAYAJULU Contempt Case.No.1129 of 2018 JUDGMENT: {Per the Hon'ble Sri Justice Ramesh Ranganathan} This Contempt Case is filed alleging wilful and deliberate violation of the order passed by this Court in Writ Appeal No.1054 of 2016 dated 21.10.2016.

The aforesaid order required the District Collector, Kurnool to examine the petitioner's appeal on its merits, to give the petitioner an opportunity of a personal hearing, and to dispose of the appeal within three months from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. While the order of this Court is dated 21.10.2016, the appeal was disposed of nearly two years thereafter on 19.07.2018. An elaborate counter affidavit is filed explaining the delay in compliance. Among the reasons for the delay is the failure on the part of the clerk, in the office of the District Collector, in placing a copy of the order before the District Collector. Disciplinary Proceedings appear to have been initiated against the said employee. While it would have been in the fitness of things, if the District Collector had filed an application seeking extension of time, in case he had genuine difficulty in complying with the order of this Court, we see no reason to take action against him under the Contempt of Courts Act, as he has expressed his unconditional apology for the delay in compliance.

The Contempt Case is, accordingly, closed. There shall be no order as to costs. Miscellaneous petitions, if any, pending shall stand dismissed.

_______________________________ (RAMESH RANGANATHAN, J) ___________________________ (D.V.S.S.SOMAYAJULU, J) 22nd October 2018 ISN