P.K.Viswanathan v. Mr.Hans Raj Verma, Ias

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 14.11.2018

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE T.S.SIVAGNANAM and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.RAVICHANDRABAABU Contempt Petition No.1972 of 2018 Mr.P.K.Viswanathan .. Petitioner Vs Mr.Hansraj Varma, I.A.S., Secretary to Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Fort St., George, Chennai - 600 009.

.. Respondent PRAYER : Petition filed under section 11 of the Contempt of Courts Act, to punish the respondent herein for willfully disobeying the order made in W.P.No.17215 of 2017 dated 12.12.2017.

For Petitioner :

Mr.K.Raja For Respondent :

Mr.R.Govindasamy, Special Government Pleader ***** O R D E R This contempt petition has been filed alleging willful disobedience of the order and direction issued by this Court in W.P.No.17215 of 2017 dated 12.12.2017. The operative portion of the order reads as follows:-

''Since the matter is pending from 2014, in the fitness of things, early decision should be taken by the Government. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed, by directing the first respondent to take appropriate decision on the proposal, which is pending before the Government with regard to bifurcation of the three Panchayat Unions, viz., Kaveripattinam, Bargur and Mathur, as expeditiously as possible, preferably, within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs.''

2. Mr.R.Govindasamy, learned Special Government Pleader accepting notice on behalf of the respondent would submit that appropriate proposal has been sent by the Assistant Director of Panchayats, Krishnagiri and the matter is now pending consideration of the Government and as and when the proposal is approved, necessary action will be taken.

3. Since the matter pertains to a policy decision and that the appropriate authority has taken necessary action, we find that there is no willful disobedience of the order. In any event, we direct the appropriate authority to expedite the process.

4. The learned Special Government Pleader also submits that as of now, the proposal given by the petitioner is not feasible of consideration, but necessary action can be taken only after the Government takes a decision.

5. With the above direction, the Contempt Petition is closed. No costs.

SD/- ASSISTANT REGISTRAR(COMM.CASES) tsg/abr //Certified to be true copy// Dated at Madras this the day of 2019. COURT OFFICER(O.S.) from 25th day of September 2008 the Registry is issuing Certified copies of the Orders/Judgments/Decrees in this format.

PS/29/11/2018 To The Secretary to Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Fort St., George, Chennai - 600 009.