The Jharkhand government has directed all departments to ensure strict and timely compliance with court orders, citing recent observations by the Supreme Court of India that reinforce accountability in contempt proceedings.
In a communication issued by the state’s law department, officials have been told that filing appeals or review petitions will not justify delay or non-compliance with judicial directions.
The directive, based on Supreme Court observations in contempt cases (5/2026 and 6/2026) decided on February 24 this year, underlines that court orders must be obeyed fully and on time, irrespective of agreement with them.
It also makes it clear that if an order is impractical, the concerned authority must approach the issuing or appellate court in advance, rather than wait for contempt proceedings to begin.
Significantly, the communication warns that even third parties aware of a court order can face contempt action if they assist in its violation or obstruct the administration of justice.
The law department has further clarified that contempt courts will only examine whether an order has been complied with and cannot revisit or reinterpret the original judgement.
Rejecting routine bureaucratic explanations, the directive states that administrative or logistical difficulties will not be accepted as valid grounds for non-compliance. Officials have been asked to act promptly once they become aware of any court direction.
The move also flags concern over what the court described as a growing tendency to delay compliance and file belated appeals only after contempt proceedings are initiated.
The directive has been circulated to all departments following approval from the chief secretary, signalling a push for stricter administrative accountability in line with judicial expectations.