ISRAR AHMAD KHAN Vs. AMARNATH PRASAD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) After some arguments, at the outset, Mr. Shoeb Alam, learned senior counsel, sought permission to be discharged from the matter. Permission granted; the learned senior counsel is discharged from representing the alleged contemnors.

(2.) Heard learned counsel for the parties and the alleged contemnors, who are present-in-person before the Court, pursuant to our Order dtd. 16/1/2026, which reads as under:

(3.) Though an Affidavit-in-Reply stands filed on behalf of the alleged contemnor No.4, but on a perusal therefrom, we find that only excuses seem to have been offered. The said Affidavit, inter alia, contends 'the answering respondent has taken several steps and efforts to try and comply with the order of this Hon'ble Court. However, due to exigent circumstances, compliance of the same has not taken place due to administrative hurdles and issues in implementation that have arisen.' It goes on to state the background which led to the passing of the Order dtd. 20/5/2025, of which contempt is alleged herein, in Civil Appeals No.7023/2025 and 7024/2025. Further, it is averred that the Managing Director, Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation (hereinafter referred to as the 'MD') wrote a Letter dtd. 22/7/2025 to the concerned Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh (hereinafter referred to as the 'Government') for 'guidance in relation to compliance' of the Order dtd. 22/5/2025.