The Gauhati High Court has summoned senior IAS officer Akash Deep, Commissioner and Secretary of Assam’s Transport Department, to appear in person in connection with alleged non-compliance of a court order relating to the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) recruitment scam.
The court has initiated contempt proceedings against the officer and directed him to remain present on August 31 at 10:30 am to explain why its earlier directions were not implemented.
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Contempt Proceedings Initiated
The matter arises from a contempt petition filed by Suranjita Hazarika, an officer whose probation period had reportedly concluded.
Earlier, the Gauhati High Court had ordered her reinstatement and directed the concerned department to initiate departmental proceedings against her within 90 days of the judgment.
According to the petition, the department allegedly failed to comply with both directions.
Alleged Non-Compliance Before the Court
The petitioner contended that despite the High Court’s order, she was neither reinstated to service nor formally dismissed by the Transport Department.
Claiming that the authorities had not implemented the court’s directives, she approached the High Court seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against the officials responsible for the delay.
Taking note of the allegations, the court directed Akash Deep to appear personally and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged non-compliance.
Court Seeks Explanation
The High Court has asked the senior IAS officer to explain why appropriate action should not be initiated against him for the alleged failure to implement its earlier order.
The court is expected to examine the response during the next hearing before deciding on further proceedings in the contempt case.
Linked to APSC Recruitment Scam
The case is connected to the long-running APSC recruitment scam, one of Assam’s most closely watched recruitment controversies involving allegations of irregularities in appointments made through the Assam Public Service Commission.
The latest proceedings underscore the judiciary’s emphasis on ensuring compliance with its orders, particularly in matters involving public administration and recruitment-related disputes.
The matter is scheduled to be heard on August 31, when the court will consider the explanation submitted by the Transport Department’s Commissioner and Secretary.
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