The Madras High Court has sentenced senior IAS officer Pradeep Yadav to two weeks of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1,000 for contempt of court. This action was taken due to his failure to implement a 2012 court order concerning the regularization of a retired sweeper’s employment.
In 2012, the court had directed the regularization of P. Gnana Pragasam’s service, who had retired in 2006 after over 40 years of service. Despite this directive, the implementation was delayed until 2021, prompting the court to find Yadav and two other officials guilty of willful disobedience. The court emphasized that such prolonged non-compliance undermines the authority of judicial orders and sets a negative precedent for public officials.
Justice Battu Devanand, presiding over the case, declined to accept the unconditional apologies submitted by the officials, stating that leniency in such matters would convey the wrong message to government officers regarding adherence to court orders.
The court has directed the convicted officials to surrender before the Registrar (Judicial) of the Madurai Bench by August 9, 2023, for further proceedings in accordance with the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
This case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that its directives are executed promptly and serves as a reminder to public servants about the importance of compliance with legal orders.
