Munavat Lakshmi Bai, v. Dr.Lalitha Kumari,

HON'BLE THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE RAMESH RANGANATHAN AND HON'BLE Dr. JUSTICE SHAMEEM AKTHER CONTEMPT CASE No.564 OF 2017 ORDER: (per Hon'ble the Acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan) This Contempt Case is filed alleging violation of the order in WPMP No.5554 of 2017 in W.P. No.4605 of 2017 dated 13.02.2017 whereby the respondent-contemnor was directed not to finally allocate the petitioner to a State, other than to which she had exercised her option, merely on the basis of residence/local status/nativity in the particular State; and that the final allocation should be made following all other conditions stipulated in the guidelines. Despite taking note of our order, the respondent-contemnor, in her order dated 15.03.2017, made certain observations which amounts to sitting in judgment over the order passed by us. Learned Special Government Pleader, appearing on her behalf, would fairly state that those comments were wholly unwarranted; and the respondentcontemnor, having realised her mistake, has now filed an affidavit tendering her unconditional apology.

When we asked Sri P.V. Krishnaiah, Learned Counsel for the petitioner, whether the petitioner has been put back in service and paid her salary, Learned Counsel would state that it is only after she had invoked the contempt jurisdiction of this Court, was she taken back into service and paid her salary belatedly. Learned Special Government Pleader assures this Court that, as long as the interim order continues to remain in force, the petitioner would be paid her monthly remuneration regularly.

The respondent-contemnor is present in Court today. While her conduct, in issuing the proceedings dated 15.03.2017, is undoubtedly disconcerting, she has subsequently cancelled the order, and has expressed her regret. We consider it appropriate, therefore, take a lenient view, and not to proceed further against her under the Contempt of Courts Act.

The Contempt Case is closed. The miscellaneous petitions pending, if any, shall also stand closed. No costs. _________________________________ RAMESH RANGANATHAN, ACJ ____________________________ Dr. SHAMEEM AKTHER, J Date: 14.07.2017.

MRKR