Punjab and Haryana High Court Slams Officials for Ignoring Urgent Order During Diwali Celebrations
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a stern rebuke to officials of the Punjab State Board of Technical Education, criticizing them for failing to act promptly on a court order due to Diwali festivities. The court emphasized that senior officials cannot feign ignorance of the term "forthwith" and should have operated on a "war footing" to ensure compliance.
Court's Strong Observations on Delay and Festive Negligence
Justice Vikram Aggarwal, while hearing a contempt plea from Jhulka College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, highlighted that the necessary actions could have been completed within a single working day, regardless of the ongoing Diwali celebrations. The court noted that the board's delay in granting affiliation for the D Pharma course was unacceptable, especially given the urgent nature of the directive issued on October 17, 2025.
The court stated, "Officers holding senior positions cannot be expected to feign ignorance about the time period fixed." It added that the board took its own time while officials were busy celebrating Diwali, instead of acting with the required urgency.
Background of the Legal Dispute and Impact on College
The contempt plea arose from a previous ruling by a division bench of the high court on October 17, 2025, which favored Jhulka College in its quest for affiliation. The court had directed the Punjab State Board of Technical Education to pass appropriate orders to allow the institution to admit students. However, the board did not act until October 28, 2025, just two days before the national admission deadline of October 30.
Representing the college, senior advocate Pawan Kumar Mutneja argued that despite multiple emails and representations sent between October 18 and 23, the board verbally refused to provide credentials for admissions, even under threat of contempt. As a result, the college could only register two students before the admission portal closed, severely impacting its academic operations.
Board's Defense and Court's Rejection of Excuses
In response, senior advocate Puneet Kaur Sekhon, appearing for the board, contended that there was no willful disobedience. He argued that after the October 17 order, there were only four working days—October 21, 23, 24, and 27—due to Diwali holidays. The board also tendered an unconditional apology for the delay.
However, the court rejected these excuses, stating that the claim of "only four working days" was unacceptable. It emphasized that administrative exigencies cannot justify laxity in complying with court orders. The court clarified that while there was no willful disobedience or contumacious intent, the delay was still unjustified, and the element of mens rea for civil contempt could not be inferred merely from the delay.
Key Takeaways and Judicial Implications
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court has set a precedent that festive periods do not excuse delays in implementing urgent judicial orders.
- Senior officials are expected to understand and act promptly on terms like "forthwith," demonstrating accountability in their roles.
- The case underscores the importance of timely compliance in legal matters, especially when it affects educational institutions and student admissions.
- The court's ruling serves as a warning to government bodies to prioritize court directives over administrative delays, even during holidays.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in the intersection of law and administration, with the judiciary taking a firm stand to ensure that legal mandates are respected and executed without unnecessary postponement.
