The Madras High Court has sentenced IAS officer Anshul Mishra to one month of simple imprisonment for civil contempt. The court found that he willfully disobeyed an earlier order directing him to act on a land re-conveyance petition by two elderly siblings. Though the sentence is suspended for now, the court made it clear that non-compliance with judicial directions challenges the foundation of justice and public accountability.
Background of the Case
In November 2023, the High Court had directed the officer, then Member Secretary of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), to consider a representation made by petitioners R. Lalithambai and K.S. Viswanathan. The representation related to 6.5 cents of land acquired in 1983 for road expansion but was never utilized.
The court ordered the officer to conduct a personal hearing and take appropriate action within two months. Despite reminders and a legal notice sent in June 2024, the order was not implemented. This led the petitioners to file a contempt petition.
Court’s Findings
After reviewing the compliance report and hearing both sides, Justice P. Velmurugan observed that the officer only conducted an enquiry in February 2025, long after the court-mandated deadline. The final order rejecting the re-conveyance request was passed on February 28, 2025, which the court considered as a deliberate delay.
“Despite judicial intervention, the concerned authorities either delay or altogether ignore compliance, compelling the litigants to resort to contempt proceedings.”
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The court found the explanations provided by the officer—mainly citing administrative changes and recent posting to the department—as unsatisfactory. It held that the officer's inaction was willful and wanton, amounting to civil contempt under Section 2(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act.
Importance of Public Duty
The court strongly emphasized that public service is not a privilege but a responsibility. It stated that officials are accountable not just to their superiors but also to the Constitution and the law.
“Public servants are answerable not only to their immediate administrative superiors but ultimately to the law and the Constitution.”
“The confidence of the citizens in the justice delivery system rests upon the assurance that the orders of the Courts will be implemented promptly and effectively.”
Compensation and Sentence
Justice Velmurugan sentenced Anshul Mishra to one month of simple imprisonment and directed him to pay ₹25,000 as compensation to the petitioners. The amount is to be deducted directly from his personal salary.
“The Government is directed to deduct the compensation amount from his salary.”
If the officer fails to pay the compensation within three weeks, an additional ten days of imprisonment will follow. However, the sentence has been suspended temporarily to allow the officer an opportunity to appeal.
Case Title: R Lalithambai and Another v. Anshul Mishra IAS
Case NO: Cont.P.No.2790 of 2024
Counsel for Petitioner: Mr. K. V. Subramanian Associates
Counsel for Respondents: Mrs. P. Veena Suresh, Standing Counsel for CMDA
