Orissa High Court Imposes Heavy Fine on Official for Delaying Judicial Pay Revision
The Orissa High Court has taken a stern stance against bureaucratic delays by imposing a fine of Rs 1 lakh on a deputy secretary of the food supplies and consumer welfare department. This penalty, to be paid personally to the complainant within four weeks, comes after the official failed to comply with a court order regarding a judicial officer's pay revision plea.
Bench Issues Warning and Details of the Case
A two-judge bench comprising Justices Krishna Shripad Dixit and Chittaranjan Dash delivered this ruling on March 23, while considering a contempt petition filed by the judicial officer. The bench explicitly warned that any further non-compliance would result in an additional fine of Rs 500 per day for the first month of delay, escalating to Rs 1,000 per day thereafter. The order was officially uploaded on Wednesday, underscoring the court's firm position.
The case centers on a judicial officer who assumed the role of president at a District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on March 23, 2022. He sought a revision of his salary in accordance with the revised judicial scale of pay for 2022 and the Odisha Consumer Protection Rules of 2020, requesting that this be processed within a stipulated timeframe.
Timeline of Events and Government Response
After his representation remained pending, the high court intervened on December 18, 2024, directing the deputy secretary to make a decision within three months. Alleging non-compliance, the judicial officer filed a contempt petition on January 6, 2026. In response, the state government submitted a compliance affidavit on March 20, explaining that the representation had been considered but a decision was delayed. The affidavit cited that "some new decision is being awaited at the hands of the Government" due to "certain judgments of the Apex Court," aiming to avoid repeated amendments to rules.
However, the bench rejected this explanation, deeming the delay unjustified and indicative of a disregard for judicial directives.
Court's Strong Observations and Final Ruling
In its observations, the bench stated: "This is a case of criminal brooking of delay by the Contemnor who has taken the decision belatedly on 19.02.2026… The conduct of the Contemnor is contumacious to say the least. It exhibits scant respect for the orders of the Constitutional Court, if no respect at all." Despite dropping the contempt proceedings, the court imposed the Rs 1 lakh fine to emphasize the seriousness of the matter.
This ruling highlights the high court's commitment to ensuring timely administrative actions and upholding the dignity of judicial orders, serving as a cautionary note for government officials.
