V.Ravichandran v. Selvam

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 12-09-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE T. VINOD KUMAR

1. V.Ravichandran S/o.Venkatachalam, 22/3, Mohankumaramangalam Street, Surampatti, Erode-District.

Petitioner(s) Vs

1. Selvam The Managing Director, Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Kovai) Ltd, Erode Region, Erode.

Contemnor(s) PRAYER: Contempt Petition filed under section 11 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 to punish the Respondent/Respondent for willfully disobeying and not complying with the order of this Hon'ble Court dated 20.06.2022 in W.P.No.12859 of 2022.

For Petitioner :

For Respondent :

Mr. V. Ajay Khose Mr. M. Muralivinoth Standing counsel

ORDER

This Contempt Petition is filed alleging wilful disobedience to comply the order of this court dated 20.06.2022 in W.P.No.12859 of 2023, whereby, this court had directed the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 04.01.2022 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law within a period of 12 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the order.

2. The learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent submitted that pursuant to the aforesaid direction of this Court, the respondent has considered the representation of the petitioner and passed appropriate orders on 22.09.2022, vide proceedings gh/vz;/ 3197-gp/vg;2-it/ep-jmnghf-nfh- <k-2022 and as such, the present contempt could not have been filed.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner, however submitted that the aforesaid proceedings, by which, the respondent claim of they having complied with the direction of this Court is not correct, as there is no reference to the representation of the petitioner dated 04.01.2023 which was directed to be disposed of within a period of twelve weeks from the date of

receipt of a copy of this order.

4. Notwithstanding the aforesaid submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, it is to be noted that the present contempt has been presented on 21.07.2025 alleging wilful disobedience and non compliance of the order of this court dated 20.06.2022. Having regard to provisions of section 20 of the Contempt of Courts Act, Contempt Petition is to be filed within a period of one year from the date of alleged contempt being committed by the respondent.

5. Further, the Honourable Supreme Court in the decision of S.Tirupathi Rao Vs. M. Lingamiah and others [2024 SCC OnLine SC 1764] had dealt with the issue in detail and as such, the present contempt filed after the expiry of one year from the alleged date of contempt, cannot be entertained.

6. Accordingly, the Contempt Petition is dismissed. msr 12-09-2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes

To Selvam The Managing Director, Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Kovai) Ltd, Erode Region, Erode.

T.VINOD KUMAR J.

msr 12-09-2025