U.Gandhi v. B.Chandramohan and 4 Others

ORDER The present Contempt Petition is presented to punish the respondents for wilful disobedience and non-implementation of the Court dated 19.03.2024 in W.P.No.19282 of 2021.

¶2The present contempt petition has been filed on 19.02.2026. The period of limitation prescribed under Section 20 of the Contempt of Court's Act, 1971, is one year from the date of the order.

¶3In the facts and circumstances of the present case, this Court, by order dated 19.03.2024 directed the respondents to dispose of the representation as expeditiously as possible. While the petitioner claims that the respondents have not complied with the order of this court by taking a policy decision, in relation to regularization of service of the petitioner, the petitioner ought to have approached this Court within the limitation prescribed under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. Since, the present contempt petition has been filed beyond the period of one year prescribed under Section 20 of the Contempt of Courts' Act, 1971, the same is barred by limitation. The Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of S.Tirupathi Rao V. M.Lingamaiah and others – 2024 SCC online Page3 of 4 1764, held that Section 20 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, being a specific provision, contempt petition must be filed within one year from the date on which the cause of action arises.

¶4Having regard to the decision of the Hon'ble Apex Court in S.Tirupathi Rao (supra), this Court is of the view that the present contempt petition is not maintainable, having been filed beyond the period of limitation prescribed under Section 20 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

¶5Accordingly, this Contempt Petition is dismissed. However, it is open for the petitioner to work out remedy in the manner known to law. 10-07-2026 Index : Yes./No Internet : Yes/No KKD Page4 of 4

T.VINOD KUMAR, J. KKD To

¶1B.CHANDRAMOHAN Secretary to Government, School Education Department, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.

¶2Kannapan Director of School Education, College Road, Chennai - 600 006

¶3Jayakumar Joint Director of School Education (Vocational) College Road, Chennai - 600 006.

¶4R.Madhan Kumar Chief Educational Officer, Krishnagiri, Krisnagiri District.

¶5Valarmathi Headmaster R.V.Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Hosur, Krishnagiri District. 10-07-2026

Page1 of 4 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 10-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE T. VINOD KUMAR U.Gandhi S/o. K.M.Ugranappa, No.36A, Dhasaripet, Taluk Office Road, Hosur, Krishnagiri District. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. B.Chandramohan Secretary to Government, School Education Department, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009. 2. Kannapan Director of School Education, College Road, Chennai - 600 006 3. Jayakumar Joint Director of School Education(Vocational), College Road, Chennai - 600 006. 4. R.Madhan Kumar Chief Educational Officer, Krishnagiri , Krishnagiri District, 5. Valarmathi Headmaster R.V.Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Hosur, Krishnagiri District. .. Respondents Prayer : This Contempt Petition filed under Section 11 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, to punish the Respondents for wilful disobedience of the order of this Court rendered in W.P No.19282 of 2021 dated 19.03.2024. Page2 of 4 For Petitioner(s) : M/s.R.Saseetharan For Contemnor(s) : Ms.Y.Kavitha Government Advocate.