The Supreme Court on Monday (14.08.2023) concluded the contemt proceedings of the Calcutta High Court against Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lt Governor D K Joshi and Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra (IAS:1995:AGMUT), for non-compliance with a previous order regarding the release of monetary benefits to workers.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra granted an extension until November 30 to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration to adhere to the Calcutta High Court’s directives. These directives pertain to the payment of arrears and the formulation of a regularization scheme for workers.
The bench took note of the administration’s commitment to implementing the regularization scheme, wherein enhanced wages for workers will be effective from September 1, 2017. The necessary funds for this purpose have been requisitioned by the UT administration.
The court underscored that the regularization scheme must align with the administration’s statement provided before the Calcutta High Court.
Given the administration’s intentions and actions, the bench found no reason to continue with the contempt proceedings. It emphasized that compliance should be finalized by November 30, and subsequently, the contempt proceedings would be deemed closed.
Earlier, on August 4, the Supreme Court had stayed the high court’s order to suspend Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra and impose a fine of Rs 5 lakh on Lt Governor D K Joshi. This punitive action was taken due to their failure to adhere to a previous order regarding the provision of benefits to workers.
The high court’s order, issued on December 19 of the previous year, had directed the payment of higher wages and dearness allowance to around 4,000 Daily Rated Mazdoors (DRMs) employed by the island administration. The directive had arisen from a plea presented by the Andaman Sarvajanik Nirman Vibhag Mazdoor Sangh.
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