Saravanan, Aged 48 Years v. V.R.Subbulakshmi
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 09.12.2024
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.VELMURUGAN Contempt Petition No.929 of 2024 Saravanan ...
Petitioner Vs.
1.Mrs.V.R.Subbulakshmi The District Collector, Vellore District, Vellore.
2.Mr.Rajiganesh, The Assistant Director, Land Survey Records, Collectorate, Vellore District, Vellore -632 009.
3.Mrs.Subhalakshimi, The Revenue Divisional Officer, Gudiyatham, Vellore District.
4.Mrs.Chitra, The Tahsildar, Gudiyatham, Vellore District.
...
Respondents PRAYER: This Contempt Petition is filed under Section 11 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 to punish the respondents for the contempt of Court for disobeying the order of this Court dated 31.10.2023 passed in W.P.No.30925 of 2023.
For Petitioner : No representation.
For Respondents : Mr.A.Selvendran Special Government Pleader **** 1/5
O R D E R
This contempt petition has been initiated by the petitioner against the respondents for not complying with the direction issued by this Court on 31.10.2023 in W.P. No.30925 of 2023.
2. When the matter was taken up for hearing on 05.11.2024, the learned Special Government Pleader submitted that the order of this Court had been complied with and produced proceedings to that effect. However, since the order was complied with only after the contempt petition was initiated, it was held that mere compliance with the Court's order pending the contempt petition does not negate the petitioner's rights. Consequently, a statutory notice was issued to the respondents.
3. However, when the matter was called today, there was no representation on behalf of the petitioner.
4. In pursuance of the statutory notice issued by this Court on 15.07.2024, the respondents, namely:
(i) Mrs.V.R.Subbulakshmi, District Collector, Vellore District;
(ii) Mr. Rajiganesh, Assistant Director, Land Survey Records, Collectorate, Vellore District;
(iii) Ms.Subhalakshmi, Revenue Divisional Officer, Gudiyattam, Vellore District; (iv) Mrs.Chitra, Tahsildar, 2/5
Gudiyattam, Vellore District, who are the contemnors, appeared today and filed their responses, along with a counter-affidavit, acknowledging the delay in complying with the order of this Court and tendering their unconditional apology.
5. Before parting, it is expected that the respondents, as senior government officials, respond to any complaint, application, or representation from the public within a reasonable time, in accordance with the law. The public approaches the respondents/Government Officials with the genuine expectation that their concerns will be addressed in a timely and efficient manner. However, in many instances, persistent delays in considering such representations compel the public to seek judicial intervention. Had these representations been dealt with promptly, the parties would not have had to approach this Court for relief. Therefore, it is imperative that, whenever a representation is made, the respondents are directed to consider and respond to it without undue delay.
The continuous failure to address public grievances in a timely manner not only causes unnecessary hardship and frustration for the individuals involved but also undermines the efficiency and credibility of public administration. This Court expects that such delays will be avoided in the future, so that citizens can rely on timely responses from government authorities, rather than having to resort to legal action.
6. Accordingly, the contempt petition is closed. 09.12.2024 Index : Yes/No Speaking Order : Yes/No r n s 4/5
P.VELMURUGAN, J.
r n s Contempt Petition No.929 of 2024 09.12.2024 5/5