"Govt Cannot Show Lackadaisical Approach To Court Orders": Delhi High Court Seeks Personal Appearance Of Secy. To Ministry Of Culture

Anguished by constant non-compliance of its orders, the Delhi High Court has recently sought personal appearance of Secretary of the Ministry of Culture in a case raising 'serious allegations' against the Government Officers.

Justice Subramonium Prasad observed,

"This Court is aware of that it is not proper to summons Senior Officers to the Court. But at the same time the Government cannot show a lackadaisical approach to the orders of the Court and disobey orders of this Court."

The development came in a plea which sought directions on the CBI and other authorities to conduct a proper and fair investigation by an officer not below the rank of Superintending of Police in the matter allegedly exposing the scandal of nexus among the accused persons and other officials regarding allegations of corruption.

While the Centre was given time to file the status report in April, the matter was adjourned thereafter till July due to non-compliance. In July, the standing counsel submitted that the Ministry of Culture is is the concerned Department in this case and not the Home Ministry. Thus, matter was adjourned till September granting more time for filing of status report.

On September 6, 2021, the Court expressed its anguish for non-filing of status report and an Officer not below the rank of Joint- Secretary, Ministry of Culture was directed to join the proceedings to explain as to why the Status Report was not filed so far.

Noting that nobody from Ministry of Culture joined the proceedings, the Court directed thus:

"In view of the fact that the orders of this Court are not being complied with and the status reports are not being filed in the petition where serious allegations have been made against the Government Department, the Secretary, Ministry of Culture, GoI, is directed to join the proceedings on the next date of hearing to explain as to why the status report has not been filed."

The matter will now be heard on October 26.

Case Title: HARVIR SINGH v. CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND ORS

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