Anil Raghunath Gachke v. The Principal Secretary, Public Works Department, Manisha Mahiskar And 2 ORS

6-CONPP-3-2024.doc Pdp

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

ORDINARY ORIGINAL CIVIL JURISDICTION CONTEMPT PETITION NO. 3 OF 2024 IN PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION NO. 36 OF 2019 Anil Raghunath Gachke .. Petitioner

Versus

The Principal Secretary, Public Works Department & Ors.

.. Respondents Mr. Siddhesh Pilankar for petitioner.

Ms. Jyoti Chavan, Addl. Govt. Pleader for respondent nos.1 to 3.

by PRAVIN DASHARATH PANDIT Date:

2025.06.10 17:03:08 +0530

CORAM:

ALOK ARADHE, CJ. & SANDEEP V. MARNE, J.

PRAVIN DASHARATH PANDIT DATE:

10th JUNE, 2025 P.C.:

1.

This Contempt Petition has been filed for non-compliance of the order dated 6th December, 2023 passed in PIL No. 36 of 2019 which was disposed of by a Division Bench of this Court with the direction to the respondents to conduct an inquiry into the allegations made in paras 27 to 30 of the PIL within a period of six months. It was also made clear that in case the order is not complied with by the respondents, the petitioner was granted the liberty to take out appropriate proceedings. 2.

We have heard the learned counsel for the parties at length.

6-CONPP-3-2024.doc 3.

Admittedly, in compliance of the aforesaid directions issued by the Division Bench of this Court, an inquiry has been conducted. The outcome of the inquiry is not to the liking of the petitioner. Merely because the outcome of the inquiry does not suit the petitioner is not a ground to initiate a proceeding for contempt against the respondents in the absence of any allegation of willful disobedience. 4.

Therefore, we are not inclined to proceed further with the contempt proceedings. However, the same is disposed of with the liberty to the petitioner to take recourse to such remedy as may be available to him in law with regard to his grievance, if any.

(SANDEEP V. MARNE, J.) (CHIEF JUSTICE)