HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The speedy implementation of judgments and compliance of the orders of the court without delay are inextricably interwoven in the enforcement of rule of law. It is part of the observance of rule of law. The implementation of the orders of the court cannot be segregated from justice delivery, rather it is an integral part of doing a complete justice to the litigants. There is an absolute obligation on part of the State or other authorities to which the orders of the court are directed for compliance, and it is the duty of the court to ensure the obedience of the orders.

(2.) Be either it is total disregard of the orders of the court or there is an unreasonable delay in compliance of the directions of the court, both situations could be said to be on the same pedestal. In fact, no order of the court should lose its efficacy because of its non-compliance or compliance at such a belated stage which would render the compliance meaningless. The orders and directions of the court which are brought under contempt jurisdiction bear a testimony of such non-compliance or delayed compliance.

(3.) During the months of February and March, 2024, in course of conducting judicial proceedings, this court could notice several, and perhaps innumerable, instances of the cases filed under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 wherein the directions and the orders of the court were not attended to by the authorities concerned despite passage of long time and that, they had remained without compliance. All these orders affected the rights of the litigants bearing importance in their life affairs. The situation obtained by non-compliance of the orders of the court for long stretch of time was prejudicial to the rights of litigants.