Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted a final opportunity to IAS officer Mukul Kumar to file a long-pending compliance affidavit in a contempt case, while imposing a cost of ₹1 lakh to be deducted directly from his salary.
The order was passed by Justice Sudeepti Sharma, who made it clear that the opportunity was conditional and came after repeated delays in filing the affidavit.
Court’s Direction and Penalty
At the outset, the Bench noted that a previous hearing had already granted the “last opportunity” to the respondent officer to submit the compliance affidavit, warning that failure would attract a financial penalty.
Despite this, counsel for Mukul Kumar sought additional time. Allowing the request, the court observed:
“Still one opportunity is granted to the respondent to file compliance affidavit, subject to payment of ₹1 lakh cost to be deducted from the salary of the respondent.”
The court further directed that the penalty amount be shared equally between the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association, Chandigarh, and the High Court Employees’ Welfare Fund.
The matter has now been adjourned to May 25 for further proceedings.
Background of the Case
The contempt petition arises from a service matter linked to a long-standing dispute over an employee’s resignation.
Earlier, the High Court had quashed an order dated September 6, 1994, which had accepted the petitioner’s resignation with retrospective effect—even after it had been withdrawn. The court had ruled the action to be without jurisdiction and contrary to established legal principles.
The Bench had directed that the petitioner be treated as continuing in service, with entitlement to 50% back wages.
Key Legal Observations
In the original ruling, Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi made several important observations:
- A resignation does not take effect unless formally accepted
- There is no “deeming provision” for automatic acceptance
- Retrospective acceptance of resignation is impermissible under service rules
- A resignation can be withdrawn any time before acceptance
The court also emphasized that the employer-employee relationship continues until the resignation is formally accepted by the competent authority.
About IAS Officer Mukul Kumar
Mukul Kumar is a 2011-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre, currently serving as Director in the Urban Local Bodies Department, Haryana (since March 20, 2026).
Career Highlights:
- Director, Urban Local Bodies, Haryana (Current)
- Former Director, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs
- Former Director, Mines & Geology (2022)
- Deputy Commissioner of Yamunanagar and Kurukshetra
- Member Secretary, Haryana State Backward Classes Commission
Background:
- Born on April 21, 1975
- Holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) and an MBA
- Promoted to IAS from the Haryana Civil Services (HCS)
Significance of the Case
The case underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on compliance with court orders and accountability of public officials. By imposing a monetary penalty linked to salary, the court has reinforced the importance of timely adherence to judicial directions.
