New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued a significant order directing a notice to Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary and the acting Director General of Police (DGP) on a contempt petition challenging the latter’s ad-hoc appointment.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra heard the contempt petition filed by Naresh Malkani against Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte and others.
The court noted the petitioner’s submission that the appointment violated earlier Supreme Court judgments. As per the order, “Ms. Madhavi Divan, senior counsel appearing for the petitioner, submits that the appointment of the second respondent to the post of Acting Director General of Police of Jharkhand on an ad-hoc basis is in clear violation of the judgment of this Court in Prakash Singh vs. Union of India [Writ Petition (Civil) No. 310 of 1996] and the order dated 16 January 2023 in the contempt proceedings [Contempt Petition (Civil) No. 403 of 2021].”
Expressing its view on the matter, the court stated, “Issue notice to the first and second respondents, returnable in two weeks.”
The court dispensed with the personal appearance of the respondents for now, directing, “The personal presence of the alleged respondent-contemnors is dispensed with for the present.”
It further ordered the respondents to file their counter-affidavits, stating, “Counter affidavit shall be filed in the meantime.”
In conclusion, while issuing notice on the contempt petition, the Supreme Court listed the matter for further hearing on September 23, 2024, seeking responses from Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary and acting DGP regarding the allegations of violating earlier court orders concerning police appointments.
