CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has initiated contempt proceedings against former Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, an IPS officer of 1990 batch, issuing him a show-cause notice for alleged violation of the court’s order dated September 25, 2025.
The High Court observed that despite being given repeated opportunities, its directions had not been implemented. The bench also took note of what it described as misleading affidavits filed in connection with the matter.
Khurania, who retired from service on August 16, 2026, has been directed to explain why action should not be initiated against him under Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act.
Seven Days to Respond to Show-Cause Notice
The former DGP has been given seven days to submit his response to the contempt notice.
The court has directed that the notice be served on Khurania through the Inspector General (Personnel).
The proceedings relate to alleged non-compliance with an earlier judicial direction concerning the reinstatement of petitioner Sagarika Parida.
The High Court has now reiterated that its earlier order must be implemented without further delay.
Retirement Does Not Shield Former DGP From Contempt Action
An important aspect of the High Court’s order is its clarification that Khurania’s retirement does not exempt him from contempt proceedings.
The court has proceeded against him even though he retired from the post of DGP on August 16.
The development underlines that a public official cannot avoid the consequences of alleged non-compliance with a judicial order merely because he has subsequently retired from service.
Case Concerns Reinstatement of Sagarika Parida
The contempt proceedings arise from the case concerning Sagarika Parida, in which the High Court had earlier directed that she be reinstated in service within four weeks.
Despite the court’s direction, the order was allegedly not implemented within the prescribed period.
The High Court has now reiterated that the reinstatement order must be carried out without any further delay.
The court’s latest action follows its observation that repeated opportunities had been provided for compliance, but the directions remained unimplemented.
Court Takes Note of Misleading Affidavits
The High Court also expressed concern over affidavits filed in the matter.
According to the court’s observations, misleading affidavits were filed despite the repeated directions and opportunities provided for compliance.
The issue has added to the seriousness of the contempt proceedings initiated against the former police chief.
The court will now consider Khurania’s explanation before deciding whether further action under Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act is warranted.
Current DGP, IG Personnel Face Personal Appearance
The High Court has also issued directions concerning the present police administration.
It ordered that if its earlier order is not complied with, the current DGP and IG (Personnel) will have to appear personally before the court.
Their personal appearance has been fixed for September 28 in the event of continued non-compliance.
The direction places responsibility on the present leadership of the Odisha Police to ensure that the court’s reinstatement order is executed.
Court Seeks Immediate Compliance
The High Court’s latest order makes it clear that the reinstatement direction in Sagarika Parida’s case cannot remain pending indefinitely.
The court has not only initiated contempt proceedings against the former DGP but has also put the current police leadership on notice regarding compliance.
The former DGP now has seven days to respond to the show-cause notice, while the state police authorities have been directed to ensure implementation of the original order.
The matter will be closely watched as the court considers the explanation submitted by Khurania and monitors compliance with its earlier directions.
