Madras HC laments growing tendency of defying court’s orders; issues contempt notice to two IAS

Despite lamenting the vanishing fear of contempt among powerful people, the Madras High Court issued contempt notices to two senior IAS officers for non-compliance with its earlier order regarding the transfer of a Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Dr Senthilkumar.

The IAS officers concerned are H Krishnaunni (IAS:2012:TN), the incumbent Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, and his immediate predecessor, SP Amrith (IAS:2013:TN).

Recollecting the “rarity” of contempt cases long ago, Justice GR Swaminathan lamented about an increase in the number of contempt proceedings in recent days. The court added that officials were not scared about facing contempt anymore.

The judge noted that there was a time “when the very word “contempt” would send shivers down one’s spine… when compliance was the norm, defiance an exception.”

The court made these harsh remarks while hearing a contempt petition filed by Dr. Senthilkumar, who was posted as Veterinary Assistant Surgeon in the Department of Animal Husbandry.

Senthilkumar was transferred from Dindigul to Mallavadi in Thiruvannamalai District in June 2025. He was again transferred from Mallavadi to Thoothukudi in October 2025. He filed a plea questioning the transfer order, in which the court had stayed the transfer order till July 31, 2026.

But the court order was not complied with, following which Senthilkumar moved the contempt petition seeking punishment for the respondent officials for willful disobedience of the court order staying his transfer from Tiruvannamalai to Thoothukudi.

The court noted that though the interim order was not complied with, another transfer order was passed in May 2026.

The court expressed shock at the casual approach of the officials, even though the Secretary to Government was a respondent in the case. The court thus expressed its displeasure over their conduct.

Then came the judge’s terse comment: “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.”

It was followed by the court issuing contempt notices to the two IAS officers.