Madras High Court Cracks Down on Defiance of Judicial Orders by State Officials

Court Summons Top Tamil Nadu Officials Over Contemptuous Conduct in Religious Rights Case

In a significant ruling, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has quashed prohibitory orders issued by state officials that obstructed the court's directive to conduct religious ceremonies at a designated site. The case, Rama.Ravikumar v. K.J. Praveenkumar IAS, highlighted the unlawful defiance of judicial orders by state authorities, prompting the court to summon the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu and the Additional Director General of Police for explanations.

Presiding Judge Mr. G.R. Swaminathan emphasized the binding nature of court orders, stating that administrative officials cannot overreach or defy judicial mandates under any pretext. The case arose when state officials, including police and the District Collector, obstructed the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the designated site, citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. These orders were intended to prevent the execution of the court's direction, a move deemed illegal and contemptuous.

The judgment underscored the judiciary's reliance on law enforcement to execute its mandates, noting that the judiciary lacks an independent force to ensure compliance. It is the duty of administrative officers to enforce lawful judicial directions without succumbing to illegal orders from superiors. The court reiterated the need for adherence to judicial orders, emphasizing that failure to do so could lead to contempt proceedings.

In a broader context, the court's order highlighted the restoration of Hindu religious practices, directing the reinstallation of a Murugan statue and the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam. The state authorities were instructed to ensure freedom of religious practices without bias or interference, subject to lawful adjudication of disputes.

The case also brought to light repeated breaches of court orders by the police and district administration, with officials summoned to explain their conduct. The court noted a pattern of defiance by district-level officials, suspecting influence from higher authorities. This prompted the court to seek clarifications from top state officials and consider issuing guidelines for district officers.

The contempt petition is scheduled for further directions on December 17, 2025, with the court seeking inputs from the Union Home Secretary based on forthcoming clarifications from state officials.

Statutory provision(s): Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Rama.Ravikumar v. K.J.Praveenkumar IAS, (Madras)(Madurai Bench) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2819738