Tmt. K.Sakuntala, v. M.Elavarasan,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 15-09-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE N. MALA and Sub Appl No.1022 of 2025 Tmt. K.Sakuntala, W/o. Kattapomman, No. 3/10, Karuppukovil Street, Usilampatti, Madurai - 625532 Petitioner(s) Vs M.Elavarasan, The Municipality Commissioner, Usilampatti Municipal Council, Madurai - 625532.

Contemnor(s) Contempt petition is filed under Section 11 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, to initiate contempt proceedings against the Respondent for wilful disobedience of the order dated 26.08.2025 passed in W.P.No. 12614 of 2025 and punish the Respondent in accordance with law under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

For Petitioner(s):

For Contemnor(s):

M/s.D.Selvam Dr.T.Seenivasan, Special Government Pleader 1/4

ORDER

The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that despite the order of this Court dated 26.08.2025, the Commissioner has not permitted the petitioner to resume her duties.

2. The learned counsel for the respondent submits that respondent apprehends that the petitioner may tamper with the documents relating to the enquiry proceedings, thereby jeopardising the enquiry proceedings and therefore till the enquiry is completed the petitioner should not be permitted to resume her duties.

3. Heard both sides and perused the materials placed on record. 4.The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the apprehension of the respondents is baseless, since all the documents are in the custody of the respondent, and that the petitioner can have no access to the same without the knowledge and permission of the Commissioner. This statement is not denied by the respondents.

5. In view of the order setting aside the impugned order removing the petitioner from the post of Chairman and Ward Councillor, passed by this Court 2/4

in the writ petition, the respondent cannot prevent the petitioner from discharging her duties as a Chairman. This Court is therefore of the view that the respondent is bound to permit the petitioner to resume as a Chairman of the Usilampatti Municipal Council. This Court therefore directs the respondents to permit the petitioner to resume her duties as Chairman. However, it is made very clear that, the petitioner shall work only from 10.00 a.m to 05.45 p.m., which is the regular working hours for the office of the Municipality.

6. The learned counsel for the petitioner assured that there will not be any delay in the enquiry from the side of the petitioner and that the petitioner was ready and willing to co-operate for completion of the enquiry within the stipulated time. The said statement is recorded.

7. In view of the above discussions, the contempt petition is closed. Consequently, the connected sub application is closed. dsn 15-09-2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes 3/4

N.MALA J.

dsn To M.Elavarasan, The Municipality Commissioner, Usilampatti Municipal Council, Madurai - 625532.

15-09-2025 4/4