The Supreme Court on Friday, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, intervened by issuing a stay on a Calcutta High Court order. The high court’s directive had called for the suspension of Keshav Chandra (IAS:1995:AGMUT), who serves as the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Additionally, the order mandated Admiral DK Joshi, the lieutenant governor (L-G), to pay a fine of Rs. 5 lakh due to a case involving contempt of court.
The impugned directives from the high court, which were issued on Thursday, were temporarily halted by the Supreme Court’s bench. This decision came after an urgent intervention was requested by Attorney General R Venkataramani.
While staying the high court’s order, the Supreme Court bench noted that there may have been significant reasons for such actions, but expressed initial reservations about the severity of the suspension of the chief secretary and the fine imposed on the lieutenant governor. The bench, including justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, observed that a more detailed examination of the matter will take place later.
The next hearing of the case has been fixed for August 11.
The high court’s order to suspend the chief secretary stemmed from issues of non-compliance with a directive regarding higher pay and DA for around 4,000 Daily Rated Mazdoors (DRMs) employed by the island administration.
In response to the high court’s decision, the circuit bench of the Calcutta High Court in Port Blair scheduled a virtual appearance for LG Joshi and a personal appearance for Chandra on the adjourned date. The purpose of these appearances is to provide explanations as to why they should not face punishment for contempt of court. The high court has set August 17 as the next hearing date to proceed with the matter.
