Chennai: The Madras High Court has issued statutory notices for initiating contempt of court proceedings against two senior IAS officers of Tamil Nadu’s Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) for allegedly failing to comply with a judicial order staying the transfer of a veterinary assistant surgeon.
Justice G.R. Swaminathan passed the order while hearing a contempt petition filed by Dr A. Senthilkumar, observing that both officers were answerable to the court for the alleged non-compliance.
IAS Officers Issued Contempt Notice
The statutory contempt notices have been issued to:
- Krishnanunni H, 2012 batch IAS officer, incumbent Director, Animal Husbandry Department.
- S.P. Amrith (2013 batch IAS), former Director of the Animal Husbandry Department.
The contempt petition alleged wilful disobedience of the High Court’s order dated May 29, which had stayed Dr Senthilkumar’s transfer from Tiruvannamalai to Thoothukudi.
Court Expresses Displeasure
Justice G.R. Swaminathan expressed strong displeasure over the manner in which the officials dealt with the matter, observing that the case had been handled in a “so casual” manner despite the department’s Secretary being the first respondent in the writ petition.
The court noted that the authorities failed to post the petitioner in accordance with its directions even after the stay order had been granted.
The judge remarked that both officers would have to explain their actions before the court.
“Majesty of the Court Is Involved”
While making significant observations on compliance with judicial orders, Justice Swaminathan stressed the responsibility of government officials and legal representatives in contempt proceedings.
The court observed that government counsel should proactively communicate with the officials concerned and be prepared with proper instructions before appearing in court.
According to the judge, there are only two acceptable courses of action after a judicial order is passed:
- Comply with the court’s order.
- Offer a credible explanation for non-compliance.
Emphasising the seriousness of contempt proceedings, Justice Swaminathan observed:
“Counsel should remember that in contempt proceedings, the majesty of the court is involved and their duty is to assist the court. The standing of the court goes down with each passing day of non-compliance.”
Court Recalls Changing Attitude Towards Contempt
The judge also reflected on the changing perception of contempt proceedings, noting that such cases were once considered rare because court orders were generally complied with promptly.
Recalling earlier times, he observed: “Gone are those days when the very word contempt would send shivers down one’s spine.”
The remarks underscored the court’s concern over increasing instances of non-compliance with judicial directions.
Background of the Transfer Dispute
The petitioner, Dr A. Senthilkumar, is a veterinary assistant surgeon attached to the Animal Husbandry Department.
According to court records, he was transferred from Madurai to Tiruvannamalai in June 2025. However, within about four months, he was again transferred, this time from Tiruvannamalai to Thoothukudi.
Aggrieved by the transfer, he approached the Madras High Court, which granted an interim stay on May 29.
Alleging that the authorities failed to implement the stay order, Dr Senthilkumar subsequently filed a contempt petition seeking action against the officials for wilful disobedience of the court’s directions.
Contempt Proceedings to Continue
With the issuance of statutory notices, the contempt proceedings will now continue before the Madras High Court.
The respondent IAS officers are expected to explain why the court’s stay order was allegedly not implemented and why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them.
The outcome of the case could have wider implications for administrative accountability and compliance with judicial orders by government officials.
Read also: Tamil Nadu Government Announces IAS Transfers; S.P. Amrith Named TNMSC MD
