BREAKING: Disobedience of court orders attacks the very foundation of the rule of law, the apex court said while confirming contempt conviction.
News Desk, New Delhi, 09-May: BREAKING- In a stern rebuke of administrative overreach, the Supreme Court on Monday demoted a Deputy Collector in Andhra Pradesh for unlawfully demolishing the huts of slum dwellers in Guntur—despite being restrained by the High Court’s order. A fine of ₹1 lakh was also imposed, to be paid within four weeks.
A bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih confirmed the contempt conviction but took a lenient view on sentencing, noting that punishing the officer with imprisonment would lead to his dismissal from service, thereby affecting his family.
“If the petitioner expects a humanitarian approach, he ought not to have acted in an inhumane manner,” the Court observed, refusing to let the officer go scot-free for “callous disobedience.”
The judgment makes it clear that no official, regardless of rank, is above the law. The apex court ruled that while the officer’s actions warranted serious punishment, public service demotion and financial penalty would suffice to uphold the dignity of the judiciary while sparing innocent family members.
Court’s Warning Ignored, Demolition Went Ahead
The controversy dates back to 2013–2014, when multiple slum residents filed petitions before the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking protection from eviction. The High Court had explicitly barred any demolition or disturbance until their claims for house site pattas were adjudicated.
Despite these orders, the petitioner, then serving as Tahsildar, reportedly brought 88 police personnel to evict the residents and raze their homes on two separate occasions—06 December 2013 and 08 January 2014.
The High Court had previously warned the Tahsildar not to repeat such conduct, yet he allegedly proceeded, leading to contempt petitions being filed.
The contempt plea resulted in a conviction by the High Court Single Bench, which sentenced the officer to 2 months’ simple imprisonment and a fine of ₹2,000. The officer’s appeals to the Division Bench were also dismissed, prompting him to approach the Supreme Court.
SC’s Leniency Paired with Accountability
The apex court expressed strong disapproval of the petitioner’s actions but acknowledged the plight of his family. It imposed a one-level demotion to Tahsildar, stating that future promotions would depend on conduct.
“The majesty of the law lies not in punishing, but in forgiving,” the Court remarked, balancing justice with compassion.
Initially, the petitioner refused to accept demotion, drawing the court’s ire. Only after multiple adjournments and counsel’s intervention did he agree to the downgraded post.
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Case Title: Tata Mohan Rao v. S. Venkateswarlu & Ors.
SLP(C) Nos. 10056–10057/2025
Bench: Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih
Judgment Date: May 6, 2025
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