Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar: DD, The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir has directed the personal appearance of two senior government officials for alleged non-compliance with court orders in separate contempt cases, signaling strict judicial action against administrative defiance.
Justice Moksha Kazmi sought the personal appearance of the Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) and the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla after they failed to comply with a court judgment in a Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) appointment case.
The case pertains to a court directive requiring authorities to finalize the selection process for a ReT post as per the applicable rules and scheme. However, the process remained incomplete, compelling the aggrieved candidate to file contempt proceedings against the DSEK and other officers.
When the matter came up for hearing, the concerned Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) was present before the court, but both the Director School Education, Kashmir, and the CEO Baramulla neither appeared nor filed any exemption plea.
Taking a serious note of their absence, Justice Kazmi reiterated the order for their personal appearance, warning that coercive measures would be initiated for continued non-compliance.
“Pursuant to order dated 14.10.2025, the respondent-Directorate of School Education has appeared virtually. However, he is unable to explain as to why the order/judgment dated 13.08.2014 has not been implemented till date. He is, accordingly, directed to appear in person along with the relevant record on the next date of hearing,” the court observed.
In a separate contempt case, Justice Kazmi also sought the personal appearance of the Superintending Engineer (SE), Kashmir Electric Maintenance and Rural Electrification Circle, Bijbehara, for non-compliance with a court judgment.
The counsel representing the contemnor-SE requested additional time to produce the relevant records, which the court granted as a last and final opportunity.
The High Court has warned that any further delay or failure to comply with its orders would invite strict legal action. (KNC)