Punjab and Haryana High Court Imposes Exemplary Costs for Contempt in Property Dispute

Respondent Sanjeev Kumar directed to pay Rs. 2,00,000 for willful delay in vacating property, emphasizing adherence to court orders.

In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has imposed exemplary costs of Rs. 2,00,000 on Sanjeev Kumar for willful disobedience of a previous court order directing the handover of property to Kamlesh Rani, the petitioner. The order, dated December 3, 2025, was delivered by Justice Sudeepti Sharma in response to a contempt petition filed by Kamlesh Rani.

The case traces back to an order dated January 19, 2023, in which the respondent was mandated to vacate the premises by April 30, 2023. Despite this directive and a categorical undertaking in court, compliance was achieved only on September 5, 2025, marking a delay of nearly two years.

The court, in its judgment, emphasized the importance of honoring court orders and the legal undertakings given by parties. It noted that the respondent's actions demonstrated a calculated decision to flout the court's authority, thereby undermining judicial orders. The court stressed that mere eventual compliance does not erase the contemptuous conduct, particularly when the delay lacks justification and arises from a deliberate choice rather than compelling circumstances.

Justice Sharma reiterated the legal principle that civil contempt requires proof of willful disobedience of a court order. In this case, the respondent's actions fulfilled the criteria for contempt, as there was a binding order, acknowledged knowledge by the contemnor, and deliberate non-compliance.

The judgment draws upon precedents set by the Supreme Court, highlighting that contempt proceedings, being quasi-criminal, require a high standard of proof. The court must be convinced of intentional defiance before imposing punishment.

In addition to imposing costs, the judgment aims to send a strong message about the seriousness of court orders and the consequences of non-compliance. The respondent has been directed to pay the costs within two months, ensuring that justice is served not only in letter but in spirit.

Bottom Line:

Contempt proceedings - Willful disobedience of a court order - Compliance made after prolonged delay does not absolve the contemnor of contempt, and exemplary costs may be imposed to uphold the authority of the court.

Statutory provision(s): Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, Section 2(b).

Kamlesh Rani v. Sanjeev Kumar, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2819486