Alleged Willful Disobedience of 2022 Judgment Leads to Legal Action
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has initiated contempt proceedings against key officers of the Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank, including the Chairman, Managing Director, General Manager (Administration), and General Manager (Finance). The proceedings stem from allegations of willful disobedience of a Supreme Court judgment dated January 11, 2022, in Civil Appeal Nos. 297-298 of 2022.
The contempt petition was filed by the Pensioners Association of Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank, represented by senior advocate Mr. P.S. Patwalia. It accuses the officers of failing to implement the directives laid down in the Supreme Court's earlier judgment concerning the bank's operations. The alleged contemnors, represented by senior advocate Mr. Gurminder Singh, are required to respond to the charges.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Pankaj Mithal and S.V.N. Bhatti, has instructed the alleged contemnors to submit a comprehensive list of all officers who have held the specified positions from January 11, 2022, to the present date. Furthermore, the Court has mandated the presence of the current officers at the next hearing scheduled for February 24, 2026.
The case originally involved the Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank Ltd. and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, with directives aimed at ensuring compliance with certain administrative and financial regulations. The current proceedings underscore the Court's commitment to enforcing its orders and maintaining judicial authority.
The outcome of these proceedings could have significant implications for the bank's administration and its adherence to judicial directives. The legal fraternity and stakeholders within the cooperative banking sector are keenly observing the developments.
Bottom Line:
Contempt proceedings initiated against officers of Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank for alleged willful disobedience of Supreme Court's judgment dated 11.01.2022 in Civil Appeal Nos. 297-298 of 2022.
Statutory provision(s): Contempt of Court Act.
