Holding

Both the Principal Secretary and the Minister willfully disobeyed the Supreme Court’s orders, acted with mens rea, and are guilty of civil and criminal contempt.

Summary

The Supreme Court had earlier ordered the closure of all un‑licensed saw‑mills, veneer and plywood units and barred any State from permitting their reopening without prior approval of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). Despite this, the Principal Secretary of the Maharashtra Forest Department and the Minister in charge granted permission to six such units, allegedly relying on a High Powered Committee (HPC) recommendation. The Court found that both officials deliberately ignored the Court’s orders, manipulated official records, and acted with mens rea. Their explanations of bona‑fide error and reliance on the HPC were rejected, and their apologies were deemed insincere. Consequently, both were held guilty of civil and criminal contempt and sentenced to one month of simple imprisonment as exemplary punishment. The contempt petition and related writ petition were disposed of.

Issues considered

The legality of the State's permission to reopen un‑licensed saw‑mills in contravention of Supreme Court orders.
Whether the actions of the Principal Secretary and the Minister constitute willful disobedience amounting to civil and criminal contempt.
The relevance of the High Powered Committee's recommendations and the claim of bona‑fide error.
The admissibility and effect of the contemnors' apologies.
The appropriate punishment for contempt by high‑ranking officials.

Legislation cited

Bombay Forest Rules, 1942s. Rule 88

Subjects

contempt of courtcivil contemptcriminal contemptwillful disobediencehigh powered committeeforest lawlicensing of saw‑millsexemplary sentenceapologymens rea

Judgment

j T.N. GODA YARMAN THIRUMULPAD THROUGH THE A
_.. AMICUS CURIAE
v.
ASHOK KHOT AND ANR.

MAY 10, 2006
B
[Y.K. SABHARWAL, CJ., ARIJIT PASAYAT
AND S.H. KAPADIA, JJ.]
.)
Contempt of Supreme Court-Closure· of all un-licensed saw mills,
veneer and plywood industries directed by Supreme Court and State
Governments prohibited from giving permission to open such units without c
prior permission of a Central Empowered Committee (CEC)-State
Government seeking permission to re-open such units dependent on imported
timber, but same declined by Supreme Court-To take a policy decision in
the matter a High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by State and
thereafter permission granted to some of such units on basis of decisions of D
contemnors, Principal Secretary, Department of Forest, Government and
Minister, lncharge of Department of Forest-Proceedings for civil and
criminal contempt against them-HELD-Both the contemnors deliberately
flouted the orders of Supreme Court in a brazen manner and it cannot be
said that there was no mens rea-They ignored the contra1y view of Deputy
Secretary and deliberately misread HPC's recommendations-Principal E
Secretary manipulated official records to show that there was difference of
opinion in subordinate officers and view in favour ofgrant ofpermission was
possible-Plea of Minister that he was not highly educated depended on
views of HPC/high placed officials and was not aware of complexities of
orders of this Court rejected as he had been a parliamentarian, a member F
of Legislative Assembly and Minister for long period; it was especially so
he did not indicated as to why views of Deputy Secretary was not accepted-
Apology offered found shorn of penitence and hence rejected-Both
contemnors found liable to exemplary sentences-Custodial sentence of one
month simple imprisonment imposed in each case.
G
These are proceedings for contempt of court. Contemnor no.1 was
the Principal Secretary, Department of Forest, Government of
Maharashtra and contemnor No. 2 was the Minister, lncharge of
Department of Forest at the relevant point of time. On the basis of
submissions made by Amicus Curiae, Proceedings for civil and criminal H
215
216 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2006] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.

A contempt were initiated against them. It was pointed out by him that this
Court had directed the closure of all un-licensed saw mills, veneer and .....
plywood industries, and by subsequent orders it was directed that no
State Government would permit the opening of any saw mill, vaneer and
plywood industry without the prior permission of the Central Empowered
Committee. The State of Maharashtra sought permission to permit the
B re-opening of saw mills/veneer and plywood industries inter alia dependent
on imported timber which permission was declined by this Court. On
enquiries made by CEC as well as Amicus Curiae the State Government
stated that the orders of this Court will be complied with and mills in
question were actually closed. But by orders of subsequent dates the State
C of Maharashtra granted permission to aforesaid six units to operate in
the State. Such permissions were granted on the basis of decisions taken
by the contemnors I and 2 deliberately and consciously though fully
aware of the orders of this Court with the sole motive of favouring those
units and to evade enforcement of the orders of this Court. It was pointed
D out that as a result of such orders, the units have been permitted to
operate in direct contravention of the orders of this Court.

As the Court was of the view that in fact contempt of this Court's
order has been committed charges were ordered to be framed against
them. Affidavits in relation to the charges were filed by contemnors.
E
Contemnor no.I contended that (i) the opinion given by him was
ba§ed on the decision taken by the High Powered Committee, and that
if he has made a mistake in his bona fide interpretation of the orders of
this Court there was no mens rea involved and he tenders his unconditional
F apology (ii) there was no disobedience, much less wilful disobedience of
the orders of this Court so as to amount the contempt (iii) the units in
question were not closed as the State Government was of the opinion that
units running exclusively on slicer or peeler machines do not require a
licence and cannot be termed as un-licensed units even after the order
of this Court; however on subsequent orders of the High Court even
G those units were also closed; thereafter the State decided to take a policy
decision in the matter, and consequent thereto a High Powered Committee
was constituted in respect of those units; those units applied to the State
Government for permission to re-commence their operation on the ground
that they were not using any saw mills but only peeler and slicer machines
H and were operating on the basis of"No Objection Certificates" issued by
T.N. GODAV ARMAN THIRUMULPAD THROUGH THE AMICUS CURIAE v. A. KHOT 217

the Forest Department and the licenses issued by the Industries A
Department; on receipt of such representation, a meeting was held by
contemnor No.2 which was attended by Principal Conservator of Forest,
the Conservator of Forest, the Deputy Secretary of Forest Department
whose stand was that the contemnor No.2 gave direction as per the
discussion to submit a note for his order; the Deputy Secretary of the
Department in his note clearly stated that the requests should not be
B
accepted and express orders from this Court and the High Court were
necessary for the purpose; he expressed otherwise and in view of the
alleged decision of the H.P.C. and the stand of the State Government
before the Courts suggested that the units should be permitted to operate;
the contemnor No. 2 being the final authority i.e. the Minister-in-charge C
of the Forest Department accepted his stand; it was further pointed out
that the unit were to operate exclusively using imported wood. (iv) he did
not interpolate any records of this Court, on the contrary, the handwritten
note was made by him during the course of hearing before CEC, and by
a bona fide mistake, the note was made in the official file and not on a D
separate piece of paper, and therefore, there was no intention of
manipulation or interpolation of the official records.

Contemnor No.2 contended that (i) he has acted bona fide without
any mens rea and also tendered his unconditional apology (ii) he is
qualified only upto secondary school level and belongs to scheduled Tribe E
category and had represented the Lok Sabha Constituency as a Member
of Parliament, was a member of the Legislative Council as well as a
member of State Assembly and was presently one of the senior-most
members of the Legislative Assembly and a member of the Cabinet being
Minister of Transport, Ports, etc. (iii) he in his capacity as Minister-in- F
Charge endorsed the view of the senior most bureaucrat/officer of the
Department of Forest and Revenue, Government and accepted the
proposal which was forwarded to him (iv) he did not deliberately give
false explanation about the view of H.P.C., it was due to wrong typing
of the pages and the preparation of draft by counsel the mistake has
occurred.
G

Disposing of the contempt petition and the IAS in the writ petition,
the Court

HELD : 1. This is a case where not only right from the beginning H
218 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2006] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.

A attempt has been made to overreach the orders of this Court but also to
draw red-herrings. Still worse is the accepted position of inserting a note
in the official file with oblique motives. That makes the situation worse.
(237-H, 238-AI

1.2. The explanations of the contemnors are clearly unacceptable.
B Mens rea is writ large. The inevitable conclusion is that both the contemnors
1 and 2 deliberately flouted the orders of this Court in a brazen manner.
It cannot be said by any stretch of imagination that there was no mens
rea involved. The fact situation clearly shows to the contrary. (236-E-F)

C 2.1. There are several factors which completely nullify the alleged
claim of bona jides made by the contemnors. Firstly, the note made by
the Deputy Secretary is of great relevance in showing as to how the stand
taken by contemnor No. 1 is clearly false and the claim of acting bona
fide is falsified. Contemnor No. 1 completely ignored the view expressed
by the Deputy Secretary, and on a clear and what appears to be a
D deliberate mis-reading of the HPC's recommendations expressed the
view that there seems to be no objectioin in using imported timber for
plywood/veneer/flash door/black board etc. (228-8-C, 232-8-CJ

2.2. With reference to the orders passed by contemn ors I and 2 several
E units in other States like U.P. started makinr, demands for similar
permissions. When this came to the notice of the CEC and Amicus Curiae,
they intimated the State Government about the violation of the orders.
The view of the CEC was contested by the State of Maharashtra. Here
comes into picture the manipulation in the official records. It has been
accepted by contemnor No.I that on 1.2.2005 he had made a note in
F
Marathi in the official file. Significantly, rest of the note sheets is in English.
The stand that he wanted to highlight certain aspect during the hearing is
clearly contrary to the materials on record. He claims to have made the
entry on 1.2.2005. But materials clearly establish that by that time the file
was in the possession ofCEC. Further, the HPC in its recommendations
G on 21.8.2004 had never finally decided in the manner projected by
contemnor No.I. The file indicates something very interesting. Just before
the note by contemnor No.I recommending the grant of permission to
saw mills which is a typed note running into several pages there is a hand-
written note undated which suggested that there were different points of
H view on the subject and an opinion of counsel who was the then Advocate
T.N. GODAV ARMAN THIRUMULPAD TI!ROUGH THE AMICUS CURIAE 1·. A. KHOT 2 J9

General presently the Solicitor General was also available. The obvious A
purport of this note was to show that there were also others who did not
share the view of the subordinate officer who had suggested that the
proposal to re-open the mills was to be rejected. (232-B-H, 233-A)

2.3. Since there was no comment of CEC on this note, Amicus Curiae
made an enquiry from CEC to find out whether the note had missed the B
attention of members of CEC and whether they had enquired into the
correctness of what was stated in the note. The Member Secretary of the
CEC asserted that he did not recollect having seen any such note and
therefore made enquiries from the Chief Secretary, Maharashtra. Reply
of the Chief Secretary is also very significant. The Chief Secretary handed C
over a set of zeroxed pages of the file which he had returned before
handing over the files to the CEC and they did not carry any such note.
The object of introducing this note is very clear i.e. to show that his view
was a possible view as there were different view points on the subject.
In his reply, contemnor No.I had stated that the files were kept in the
D
custody of the joint Secretary and were returned to the Forest Department
on 1.2.2005 by CEC and the files were brought to this Court by the Joint
Secretary subsequently. The relevant files were always in the possession
of the joint Secretary since then and were produced before this Court
him on I5.4.2005. He has stated that he had never been in possession of
the files except when required. He has further stated that there was never E
I any manipulation of file by him as alleged. He re-iterated that as a matter
of fact that there has been no specific insertion as alleged by Amicus
Curiae. This stand was subsequently given a go bye. He admitted to have
made to note. Then comes the other palpably unacceptable and frivolous
explanation that insetead of writing on a separate piece of paper he by F
mistake wrote on the official file. Apart from the frivolity of the plea, it
is clearly further falsified by the fact that on 1.2.2005 the file was with
the CEC. These leave no manner of doubt that contemnor No.I has
deliberately and wilfully disregarded the authority of law. (233-B-G)

3. Stand of contemnor No.2 is that he being not very highly educated G
depended on the view of the HPC high placed officials. This plea is not
only hollow but without any substance. As contemnor No.2 in his reply
has indicated that he has been a parliamentarian, a member of Legislative
Assembly and Minister for very Jong period. To say that he was not aware
of the complexities of the orders of this Court and, therefore, depended H
--'

220 SUPREME COL'RT REPORTS [2006] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.

A on the top bureaucrats is a futile attempt to shift the responsibility. He
has not event indicated as to why the view of the Def)uty Secretary, was
not to be accepted. He tried to take shelter behind the so called view of the
HPC and an alleged mistake committed by the typist. In the further
affidavit it has been stated that the counsel drafting the petition took note
of mistake committed by the typist and accordingly drafted the reply. It
B is pointed out that the correct documents were available with CEC and
he would not derive any advantage by taking plea contrary to the
documents. The specific case is that the mistake occurred at the stage of
filing of the reply. Even if that is so, it is certainly a very careless act and
more care an<l caution was necessary, particularly when the affidavits
C were being filed before the Court. [234-G-H, 235-A-C]

B.M. Bhattw.:hurjee (,'vfajor General) v. Russel, Estate Corporation,
AIR 1993 SC 1633, relied on.

4. The stand of contemnors also is further falsified when one takes
D note of the order passed by the High Court in Kitply's case on 10.8.1998.
It was clarified that for operation of any machinery for cutting, slicing
and/or peeling the timber-a license under Rule 23(1 )(ii) of the Bombay
Transit of Forest Produce (Vidarbha region Saurashtra and Kutch Area)
Rules, 1960 is required. It is not disputed th:it since 1999 corresponding
Rule 88 of Bombay Forest Rules, 1942 has become applicable for entire
E Maharashtra. Keeping that in view I.A. No. 414 of 1999 was filed to
permit grant of license under Forest Rules, 1942 to unlicensed Plywood/
veneer industries, which had NOC, industrial license etc. and to wood
based industries which intended to operate only on imported timber. The
said I.A. was rejected by this Court on 14.7.2003. This Court accepted -r
F recommendations of CEC. It is thus crystal clear that the applications
of those eligible for grant of license were required to be sent to CEC, who
was then required to submit a report to the Court. Thereafter, the Court
would have decided on the question of entitlement for license. The
procedure mandated by the Court was not followed. Instead of that by
their impugned actions, the contemnors permitted resumption of
G operations by the unit holders. There was absolutely no confusion or
scope for entertaining doubt as claimed by the Contemnors.
[235-D-F, H, 236-AI

5. There is one other factor which shows the brazen manner in
H which fact have been distorted and without any manner of doubt wilfully.
T.N. GODAV ARMAN THIRUMULPAD THROUGH THE AMICUS CURIAE 1·. A. KHOT 22 J

As noted by the CEC in its second Report, the Chief Conservator of A
Forests, Maharashtra by his letter dated lS.2.2000 had stated that
pursuant to this Court's order dated 4.3.1997 and High Court's order
dated 10.8.1998, 40 unlicensed plywood/veneer units were closed during
1999. These 40 units include the six units to whom subsequently permission
was granted. Their names figure at SI. Nos. 29, 30, 36, 37, 38 and SS of
the list enclosed to the letter dated lS.2.2000. But during a raid conducted B
by the Regional Deputy Director (WL) Western Region, MOEF on
22.3.2004, the premises of one of the six units Mis. Oriental Veneer
Products Pvt. Ltd. (which was sealed on 21.3.1999), the seal was found
to be broken and the unit was functioning. The raid conducted on 22.3.2004
appears to have pressed the panic button for making representations on C
or about 2S.3.2004. The orders were passed on these representations
showing scant regard for this Court's orders. [236-B-D)

6.1. Apology is an act of contrition. Unless apology is offered at the
earliest opportunity and in good grace, the apology is shorn of penitence
and hence it is liable to be rejected. If the apology is offered at the time D
when the contemnor finds that the court is going to impose punishment
it ceases to be an apology and becomes an act of a cringing coward.
[236-G]

6.2. Apology is not a weapon of defence to purge the guilty of their
offence, nor is it intended to operate as universal panacea, but it is
E
intended to be evidence of real contriteness. [236-G-H, 237-A]

Jaikwal v. State of Uttar Pradesh, AIR (1984) SC 1374, relied on.

7. In this case the contemnors deserve severe punishment. This will F
set an example for those who have propensity of dis-regarding the court's
orders because of their money power, social status or posts held. Exemplary
sentences are called for in respect of both the contemnors. Custodial
sentence of one month simple imprisonment in each case would meet the
ends of justice. Considering the high positions held by the contemnors
more stringent punishment is called for, and, therefore, custodial sentence G
is compressed. [238-A-C]

Re: Sri Pravakar Behera, (2003) IO SCALE 1126, relied on.

CIVIL ORJGINAL JURJSDICTION : Contempt Petition No. (C)
No. 83 of 2005. H
222 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2006] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.

A WITH

I.A. Nos. 1503 & 1504 in W.P. (C) No. 202/1995.

Harish N. Salve, (A.C.) U.U. Lalit, (A.C.), L. Nageshwar Rao, Shanti
Bhushan, Sr. Advs., Sidhartha Choudhary, (A.C.) Adv., with them for the
B Appellants.

Brij K. Mishra, Alok Kumar, V.N. Raghupathy, A.D.N. Rao, P.K.
Manohar, Advocates for the Respondents.

The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
c
ARIJIT PASAY AT, J. : The "King is under no man, but under God
and the law"-was the reply of the Chief Justice of England, Sir Edward Coke
when James-I once declared "Then I am to be under the law. It is treason
to affirm it"-so wrote Henry Bracton who was a Judge of the King's Bench.
D
The words of Bracton in his treatise in Latin "quad Rex non debat esse
sub homine, sed sub Dea et Lege" (That the King should not be under man,
but under God and the law) were quoted time and time again when the Stuart
Kings claimed to rule by divine right. We would like to quote and requote
those words of Sir Edward Coke even at the threshold.
E
In our democratic polity under the Constitution based on the concept
of 'Rule of law' which we have adopted and given to ourselves and which
serves as an aorta in the anatomy of our democratic system. THE LAW IS f
SUPREME.

F Everyone whether individually or collectively is unquestionably under
the supremacy of law. Whoever he may be, however high he is, he is under
the law. No matter how powerful he is and how rich he may be.

Disobedience of this Court's order strikes at the very root of the rule
G of law on which the judicial system rests. The rule of law is the foundation
of a democratic society. Judiciary is the guardian of the rule of law. Hence,
it is not only the third pillar but also the central pillar of the democradc State.
If the judiciary is to perform its duties and functions effectively and remain
true to the spirit with which they are sacredly entrusted to it, the dignity and
authority of the Courts have to be respected and protected at all costs.
H
T.N. GODAVARMANTHIRUMULPADTHROUGH THEAMICUS CURIAE'" A KHOT [ARIJITPASAYAT, J.J 223

Otherwise, the very comer stone of our constitutional scheme will give way A
and with it will disappear the rule of law and the civilized life in the society.
That is why it is imperative and invariable that Court's orders are to be
followed and complied with.

The case at hand involves two contemnors. Shri Ashok Khot (hereinafter
described as 'contemnor No. I') was the Principal Secretary, Department of B
Forest, Government of Maharashtra and Shri Swamp Singh Naik (hereinafter
described as 'contemnor No.2') was the Minister, lncharge of Department
of Forest at the relevant point of time.

On the basis of submissions made by learned Amicus Curiae, proceedings
were initiated against them. It was highlighted by learned Amicus Curiae that
c
the respondents have acted in brazen defiance of the orders of this Court and
their conduct constitutes the contempt by way of (a) wilful dis-obedience of
directions issued by this Court, (b) the manner in which contemnors have
conducted themselves clearly tends to lower the authority of this Court and
obstructs the administration of justice (c) as their conduct falls both under D
the definition of Civil contempt, as well as seeing dimensions of the matters,
under criminal contempt.

It was pointed out by learned Amicus Curiae that this Court by order
dated 4.3.1997 directed the closure of all un-licensed saw mills, veneer and E
plywood industries. Further by order dated 30.10.2002 it was directed that
no State Government would permit the opening of any saw mill, veneer and
plywood industry without the prior permission of the Central Empowered
Committee (in short the 'CEC'). The State of Maharashtra by I.A.414 sought
permission to permit the re-opening of saw mills/veneer and plywood
industries inter alia dependent on imported timber; which permission was
F
declined by this Court's order dated 14th July, 2003. On enquiries made by
CEC as well as learned Amicus Curiae the State Government stated that the
orders of this Court will be complied with and six mills in question i.e. (i)
Mis Oriental Veneer Products Ltd. (ii) Mis Konark Plywood Industries Ltd.
(iii) Mis Great Western Plywood Industries Ltd. (iv) M/s Pagoda Woods Pvt. G
Ltd. (v) Mis Woodmac (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. (vi) Luckywood Products Pvt.
Ltd. were actually closed.

But by orders dated 7th April, 2004 and 29th May, 2004 the State of
Maharashtra granted permission to aforesaid six units to operate in the State.
H
224 SUPRl:ME COURT REPORTS [2006) SUPP. 2 S.C.R.
-
A Such permissions were granted on the basis of decisions taken by the
contemn ors I and 2 deliberately and consciously though fully aware of the
orders of this Court with the sole motive of favouring those units and to
evade enforcement of the orders of this Court. It was pointed out that as a
result of such orders, the units have been permitted to operate in direct
contravention of the orders of this Court.
B
Initially, responses were filed by contemnors I and 2 but on consideration
thereof this Court wa~ of the view that in fact contempt of this Court's order
has been committed and, therefore, by order dated 3.2.2006 charges were
framed as follows:
c "Whereas this Court by its order dated 4.3 .1997 directed the closure
of all un-licenscd saws mills, veneer and plywood industries, and
further by its order of 30th October, 2002, directed that no State

D
Government would permit the opening of any saw mills, veneer and
plywood industries, without the prior permission of the Central
Empowered Committee and whereas the State of Maharashtra,
through its Interlocutory Application N0.414 sought permission to
-
permit the reopening of the saw mills/veneer and plywood industries
i.-1ter alia dependent on imported timber, which permission was
declined by rejection of their application by this Court on 14th July,
E 2003.

Whereas in response to enquiries made by the Central Powered
Committee as well as the Amicus Curiae, the State Government
assured that the orders of this Court will be complied with and six
mills in question i.e. (i) M/s Oriental Veneer Products Ltd. (ii)
F M/s Konark Plywood Industries Ltd. (iii) Mis Great Western
Plywood Industries Ltd. (iv) Mis Pagoda Woods Pvt. Ltd. (v)
Mis Woodmac (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. (vi) Luckywood Products Pvt.
Ltd. were actually closed.
-
AND whereas vide orders dated 7th April, 2004 and 29th
G May, 2004 the State of Maharashtra granted permission to aforesaid
six units to operate in the State.

AND whereas from the affidavit filed and the records produced
it is apparent that these permissions were granted on the basis of
H decision takei1 by Respondent Nos. I and 2 deliberately and
T.N. GODAVARMAN TIDRUMULPAD THROUGH THE AM!CUS CURIAE'· A. KHOT [ARIJ!T PASAYAT, J.] 225

-· consciously and after being aware of the orders of the Court with
the sole motive to favour these units and to evade enforcement of
the orders of this Court.
A

AND whereas as the result of these orders the mills have been
permitted to operate in direct contravention of the orders of this
Court. B

AND whereas a hand-written Marathi note has been added in
the original record on Ist February, 2005 by respondent NO. l which
-'\ amounts to interpolation of the record.

AND whereas the minutes, Annexure-D from pages 47 to 57
c
filed by respondent No.2 show addition in the manner noticed in
the order dated 27th January, 2006.

. AND whereas by their conduct respondent Nos. 1 and 2 have
not only violated the direction to the State to ensure that unlicensed
saw mills/veneer and plywood industries are not allowed to ope'rate,
but have also attempted to lower the authority of the Court by
D

granting permission which act clearly was in derogation of the
authority exercised by the Court in exercise of its constitutional
powers over the officers and employees of the State Government.
E
AND whereas respondents 1 and 2 have interpolated. the
record in the manner above noted.

AND whereas by virtue of the aforesaid acts, the respondents
are guilty of civil and/or criminal contempt of Court by having F
wilfully dis-obeyed the orders of the Court as well as having acted
in a manner that attempt to lower the authority of this Court as well
as interferes in the administration of justice by preventing
enforcement of directions issued by the Court which constitutes a
criminal contempt."
G
Affidavits in relation to the charges have been filed by contepmors.
Their stand in essence is as follows:

CONTEMNOR NO. 1:
H
226 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2006) SUPP. 2 S.C.R.

A He has stated that the opinion given by him was based on the decision
taken by the High Powered Committee (in short 'H.P.C.') on 28.1.2004. He
has further stated that if he has made a mistake in his bona fide interpretation
of the orders of this Court there was no mens rea involved and he tenders
his unconditional apology. He has stated that there is no question of any
disobedience, much less wilful disobedience of the orders passed by this
B Court so as to amount the contempt of this Court's order. It is stated that
the State Government was of the opinion that units running exclusively on
slicer or peeler machines do not require a licence and, therefore, cannot be
termed as un-licensed units even after the order of this Court dated 4.3.1997.
The units in question were not closed. Subsequently, the Nagpur Bench of
c the Bombay High Court by order dated I 0th August, 1998 passed in Writ
petition 3795 of 1995 (known as 'Kitply case') directed that even the slicing
and peeling machines being run along with licensed saw mills would require
separate license. As a result of this order, the said units were also closed.
Several writ petitions were filed by the aggrieved units and the State decided
D to take a policy decision in the matter. Consequently, on 15.5.2001 the State
Government constituted H.P .C. to take a policy decision in respect of such '
peeler and slicer units. The units in question applied to the State Government
for permission to re-commence their operation. Their stand was that they
were not using any saw mills but only peeler and slicer machines and were
E operating on the basis of "No Objection Certificates" issued by the Forest
Department and the licenses issued by the Industries Department. On receipt
of the representation. a meeting was held by contemnor No.2 which was
attended by Principal Conservator of Forest, the Conservator of Forest, the
Deputy Secretary of Forest Department, one Shri Tripathi whose role in the
present matter is of considerable importance. Contemnor No. I was not
F present in the meeting but his stand was that the contemnor No.2 who is the
Minister gave direction as per the discussion to submit a note for his order.
The Deputy Secretary of the Department Sri Tripathi in his note clearly stated
that the requests should not be accepted and express orders from this Court
and the Bombay High Court were necessary for the purpose. Contemnor
G No. I expressed otherwise and in view of the alleged decision of the H.P.C.
and the stand of the State Government before the Courts suggested that the
units should be permitted to operate. The contemnor No.2 being the final
authority i.e. the Minister-in-charge of the Forest Department accepted his
stand. It was further pointed out that the units were to operate exclusively
H using importt:d wood. Therefore, in essence, his stand is that there is no
T.N. GODA VARMAN THIRUMULP AD THROUGH THE AMICUS CURIAE v. A KHOT [ARIJIT PASAY AT. J.] 22 7

...... wilful dis-regard of this Court's orders and no contempt was committed. So A
'
far as the charge relating to interpolation of records is concerned, he has
stated that he has not interpolated any records of this Court. On the contrary,
the handwritten note was made by him on 1.2.2005 during the course of
hearing before CEC. By a bona fide mistake, the note was made in the official
file and not on a separate piece of paper. He, therefore, has stated that there
B
was no intention of manipulation or interpolation of the official records.

CONTEMNOR NO. 2

The stand of contemnor No. 2 is that he has acted bona fide without
any mens rea. He has also tendered his unconditional apology. It is pointed C
out that he is qualified only upto secondary school level and belongs to
Scheduled Tribe category and had represented the Nandurbar Lok Sabha
Constituency as a Member of Parliament, was a member of the Legislative
Council nominated by the Government of Maharashtra as well as a member
of the State Assembly from Nawapur Assembly. He is presently one of the D
senior-most members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and a
member of the Cabinet being Minister of Transport, Ports, etc. He was the
Minister of Forest and Environment between 19.10.1999 and 31.10.2004.
The expert H.P.C. was constituted. The view expressed by it was at variance
w.ith the view of the State Government. Though he was not aware of the
~~details of the orders he was conscious of the fact that giving the growing
E
technicalities of the law involved in the day to day functioning of the
Ministry in contrast to his background and the level of his educational
qualification, it was not feasible for him to arrive at an appropriate decision
unilaterally without being assisted by responsible officers of the Government.
Therefore, in line what was decided by the H.P.C. which was constituted for F
a specific purpose and comprised of top bureaucrats and other important
limbs of the Governm~nt and public personalities, the decisions arrived at
by them would be entitled to great respect. The H.P.C. took the decision on
28.1.2004, and taking note of various relevant factors indicated in the
representations made on or about 25.3.2004 passed the order. It is now G
alleged that the same amounted to violation of this Court's orders. He had
concurred with the views expressed by contemnor No. I and it was also
clarified that the unitholders have closed the units after the decisions
rendered by this Court as well as by the Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench.
He in his capacity as Minister-in-Charge endorsed the view of the senior
H
2:s SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2006] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.

A most bureaucrat/officer of the Department offorest and Revenue, Government
of Maharashtra and accepted the proposal which was forwarded to him.
There is no mens rea or personal element in the alleged contumacy. So far
as the allegations that he had ddibcrately given false explanation about the
view of H.P.C., it was submitted that due to wrong typing of the pages and
the preparation of draft by learned counsel the mistake has occurred and there
B is deliberateness involved.

There are several factors which completely nullify the alleged claim of
bona fides made by the contemnors. Firstly, the note made by the Deputy
Secretary, Shri Tripathi is of great relevance in showing as to how the stand
c taken by contemnor No. I is clearly false and the claim of acting bona fide
is falsified. The note reads as follows:

"As directed by Pr. Secretary (F) on 2.4.2004

I. In the said filed, four applications, which have been submitted
D by the Oriental Veneer products Ltd., Konark Plywood Product
Ltd, Pagoda Woods Private Ltd, Great Western Wood Private
Ltd, are being dealt with. The applicants have requested to
grant the licences for running their units.

2. The history behind the~e cases are as:
E
a. In the State veneer and plywood units can be placed into
three categories, first, units which are running along with
saw mills, licences, second which are running exclusive,
by using slicer and peeler machines and third which are
F running along with unlicensed saw mills.

b. The issue of veneer and plywood units came first time
in the matter of T.N Godaverman v. Union of India
(W.P. No.171196, 202/95) before Supreme Court. Hon'ble
Supreme Court directed to the State Government to file
G affidavit before the Court, regarding the status of saw
mills, veneer & plywood units in the State. The affidavit
was filed by State Government before the Supreme Court
treating veneer & plywood industries units as composite
units along with saw mills. According to the affidavit,
H which implied, that veneer & plywood industries if

I
T.N. GOD AV ARMAN THJRUMULPAD THROUGH THE AMICUS CURIAE v. A. KHOT [ARlnT PASAYAT, J.] 229

running along with license saw mills may be treated as A
licensed unit and if running, without unlicensed saw
mills may be treated as unlicensed. On 4.3. 1997 Hon'ble
Supreme Court passed order as under:

"All unlicensed saw mills, veneer and plywood
industries in the State of Maharashtra and State of B
U.P. are to be closed forthwith and the State
Government would not remove or relax the condition
for grant of permission/licence for the opening of
any such saw mills, veneer and plywood industries
and it shall also not grant any fresh permission/ C
licence for this purpose.

3. The State Government approached the apex Court by way of
filing I.A.No.414 of January 99 with request to allow State
Government to grant licences to existing unlicensed ply wood
and veneer industries which require saw milling activities but D
have industrial licences and also allow the State Government
to issue licences to saw mill and veneer/plywood industries
which intend to operate on imported timber from outside the
country. The matter came before apex court for final hearing
on 14. 7 .2003. The Hon 'ble Supreme Court rejected the request
made by State Government and disposed off the I.A.N0.414
E
along with other I.As.

4. After the order of Hon'ble Supreme Court on 4.3. 1997, the
unlicensed saw mills in these plywood/veneer industries ry'~re
closed, no other machinery in these industries was clo.sed F
because of the interpretation of the Bombay Forest Rule {942
was that only sawing machine i.e. band saw/horizontal saw/
circular saw need licence. However, in the W.P. No.3795/95,
Kit Ply case Hon'ble Bombay High Court Bench at Nagpur
on 10.8.1998 made it clear that petitioner (i.e. Kitply's owner)
do not entitle to operate any machinery or saw mills for
G
cutting, slicing and/or peeling the timber without licence, as
contemplated under rule 23(i)(ii) of Bombay Transit Forest
Product Rule, 1960 (Vidarbh region, Saurashtra & Kutch
areas).
H
230 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2006] SUPP. 2 S.C.R. ~

A 5. After this judgment Mumbai High Court Bench Nagpur in
Kitply's case the Forest Department issued instructions to the
.....
field officer to close the slicing and peeling machinery. This
resulted in closure of wood conversion machinery i.e. slicer
& peelers machine in the industries. Therefore, these industries
filed W .Ps. in the Mumbai High Court Nagpur Bench. The gist
B of their main argument was as follows:

"Forest department never demanded licepce to run
veneer & plywood machinery therefore they were
not getting licence from Forest Department to
c operate these units. Hence at this stage they cannot
be compelled for licence to operate these units."

The Badar (Special Counsel Forest) admitted before
the Court that Government is taking policy decision in
this case.
D
6. This issue came before the High Powered Committee comprised
under C.S. on 2.6.2001 and 13.6.2001. In the meeting on the
issue of licensing of veneer and plywood industries the
Committee took following decision:

E "The Committee has decided that at this stage it will not
be proper to make any licensing policy regarding veneer
and plywood industry. However, industry department
may be directed not to issue any new licence for
establishment of veneer and plywood units."
F
7. This decision of the Committee, after getting the approval of
State Government submitted in the High Court in W.P.
N0.3795/95, 1315/2001, 3731/78. In the hearing of these
W.Ps. the Hon'hle Court observed that:

G "It leads nowhere, as to the existing position, whether
today a licence is required to the complete veneer unit
or whether it is required only where a saw mill unit is
in existence? Why the seal should not be open. Why
these industries should not be allowed t0 run. The
decision is vague it only says for future that Forest
H
T.N. GODA VARMAN THIRUMULP AD THROUGH THE AMICUS CURIAE v. A KHOT [ARIJIT PASAYAT, J .] 23 J

Department is not going to grant any licence and decision A
would have been taken by industry department."

8. Since the issue to giving the licences to the veneer & plywood
industries was not decided then this matter was put up further
before High Powered Committee on 28th January, 2004. The
H.P.C. on this issue took following decision. B
a. Licence should be given to those veneer and plywood
Industries which were in operation prior to 4.3.1997.

b. . The veneer and plywood industries running only on
slicer and peeler machine are required to get the licence. c
c. Slicing and peeling machine cannot be treated as
composite unit along with saw mills.

d. The Hon'ble High Court may be apprised according to D
the decision of State Government.

9. On the basis of decision taken by H.P.C. the matter may be
placed before the Hon 'ble Court, by way of filing affidavit,
after taking the approval from State Government. This is under
consideration and shortly affidavit shall be filed before the E
Hon'ble Court.

10. In view of above, in my opinion, the matters of the applicants
may be considered only after getting permission from the State
Government and the Hon'ble Courts.
.F
Submitted for information and approval.
Sci/- 5 .4.2004

Pr. Secretary(F)"

After referring to the history behind the cases, the orders passed by this G
Court on 4.3.1997 and 14.7.2003, the order dated 10.8.1998 passed by the
Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench, the opinion of the H.P.C., the Deputy
Secretary categorically indicated his stand as follows:

"On the basis of decision taken by H.P.C. the matter may be placed
H
232 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2006) SUPP. 2 S.C.R.

A before the Hon 'ble Court by way of filing affidavit, after taking the
approval from State Government. This is under consideration and
shortly affidavit shall be filed before the Hon'ble Court.

In view of the above, in my opinion, the matter of the
applicants may be considered only after getting permission from the
B State government and the Hon'ble Courts.

Submitted for information and approval."

Contemnor No.I Shri Ashok Khot on 5.4.2004 completely ignored the
c view expressed by the Deputy Secretary, and on a clear and what appears
to be a deliberate mis-reading of the H.P.C.'s recommendations expressed
the view that there seems to be no objection in using imported timber for
plywood/veneer/flash door/black board etc. since the permission given by
the Conservator of Forest was prior to the orders of this Court i.e. 20.2.1997
and 21.2.1997 and these units can be made operational subject to the
D decisions of the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court and of this Court.
The permission shall be at the responsibility of unit holders and the unit
holders shall close the units if the decisions of the Bombay High Court and
this Court are contrary to the stand put forward by the Maharashtra State.
Contemnor No. I noted as follows:
E
"Thanks. Proposal accepted. Permission be granted to start."

With reference to the orders passed by contemnors I and 2 several units
in otht:r States like U.P. started making demands for similar permissions.
When this came to the notice of the CEC and learned Amicus Curiae, they
F intimated the State Government about the violation of the orders. The view
of the CEC was contested by the State of Maharashtra. Here comes into
picture the manipulation in the official records. It has been accepted by
contemnor No. I that on 1.2.2005 he had made a note in Marathi in the
official file. Significantly, rest of the note sheets is in English. The stand that
G he wanted to highlight certain aspects during the hearing is clearly contrary
to the materials on record. He claims to have made the entry on 1.2.2005.
But materials clearly establish that by that time the file was in the possession
of CEC. Further, the High Powered Committee in its recommendations on
21.8.2004 had never finally decided in the manner projected by contemnor
H No. I. The file indicatc5 something wry interesting. Just before the note by
f
T.N. GODAVARMAN llilRUMULPADTHROUGH THE AMICUS CURIAE'· A. KHOT [ARUIT PASAYAT,l.] 233

contemnor No. I recommending the grant of permission to saw mills which A
is a typed note running into several pages there is a hand-written note undated
which suggested that there were different points of view on the subject and
an opinion of counsel who was the then Advocate General presently the
learned Solicitor General was also available. The obvious purport of this
note was to show that there were also others who did not share the view of
the subordinate officer who had suggested that the proposal to Ie-open the
B
mills was to be rejected.

Since there was no comment of CEC on this note, learned Amicus
Curiae made an enquiry from CEC to find out whether the note had missed
the attention of members of CEC and whether they had enquired into the c
correctness of what was stated in the note. The Member Secretary of the CEC
asserted that he did not recollect having seen any such note and therefore
made enquiries from the Chief Secretary, Maharashtra.

Reply of the Chief Secretary is also very significant. The Chief
Secretary handed over a set of zeroxed pages of the file which he had D
returned before handing over the files to the CEC and they did not carry any
such note. The object of introducing this note is very clear i.e. to show that
his view was a possible view as there were different view points on the
subject. In his reply, contemnor No.I had stated that the files were kept in
the custody of the Joint Secretary and were returned to the Forest Department E
on 1.2.2005 by CEC and the files were brought to this Court by the Joint
Secretary subsequently. The relevant files were always in the possession of
the Joint Secretary since then and were produced before this Court by him
on 15.4.2005. He has stated that he had never been in possession of the files
except when required. He has further stated that there was never any F
manipulation of file by him as alleged. He re-iterated that as a matter of fact
that there has been no specific insertion as alleged by learned Amicus Curiae.
This stand was subsequently given a go bye. He admitted to have made the
note. Then comes the other palpably unacceptable and frivolous explanation
that instead of writing on a separate piece of paper he by mistake wrote on
the official file. Apart from the frivolity of the plea, it is clearly further G
falsified by the fact that on 1.2.2005 the file was with the CEC. These leave
no manner of doubt that contemnor No. I has deliberately and wilfully
disregarded the authority of law.

In B.M Bhattacharjee (Major General) and Anr. v. Russel Estate H
234 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2006] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.

A Corporation and Anr., AIR (1993) SC 1633, it was observed by this Court
that "all of the officers of the Government must be presumed to know that
under the constitutional scheme obtaining in this country, orders of the courts
have to be obeyed implicitly and that orders of the apex court-for that matter
any court- should not be trifled with".

B Any country or society professing rule of law as its basic feature or
characteristic does not distinguish between high or low, weak or mighty.
Only monarchies and even some democracies have adopted the age old
principle that the king cannot be sued in his own courts.

c to anyProfessor Dicey's words in relation to England are equally applicable
nation in the world. He said as follows:

"When we speak of the rule of Jaw as a characteristic of our country,
not only that with us no man is above the law but that every man,
whatever be his rank or condition, is subject to the ordinary law of
D the realm and amenable to the jurisdiction of the ordinary tribunals.
In England the idea of legal equality, or the universal subjection of
all classes to one law administered by the ordinary courts, has been
pushed to its utmost limit. With us every official, from Prime
Minister down to a constable or a collector of taxes, is under the
same responsibility for every act done with legal justification as any
E
other citizen. The reports abound with cases in which officials have
been brought before the courts, and made, in their personal capacity.
liable to punishment, or to the payment of damages, for Jets done
in their official character but in excess of their lawful authority. A
colonial governor, a secretary of State, a military officer, and all
F subordinates, though carrying out the commands of their official
superiors, are as responsible for any act which the law does not
authorize as is a private and unofficial person. (See Introduction to
the Study of the Law of the Constitution, I 0th Edn. 1965, pp. 193-
194).

G Respect should always be shown to the Court. If any party is aggrieved
by the order which is in its opinion is wrong or against rµles or implementation
is neither practicable nor feasible, it should approach the Court. This had
been done and this Court after consideration had rejected the I.A. long
before.
H
T.N. GODAVARMAN TlflRUMULPAD THROUGH THE AM!CUS CURIAE v. A. KHOT [ARll!T PASAYAT,J.] 235

Stand of contemnor No.2 is that he being not very highly educated A
depended on the view of the H.P.C./high placed officials. This plea is not
only hollow but without any substance. As the contemnor No.2 in his reply
has indicated that he has been a parliamentarian, a member of Legislative
Assembly and Minister for very long period. To say that he was not aware
of the complexities of the orders of this Court and, therefore, depended on
the top bureaucrats is a futile attempt to shift the responsibility. He has not
B
even indicated as to why the view of the Deputy Secretary, Shri Tripathi was
not to be accepted. He tried to take shelter behind the so called view of the
H.P.C. and an alleged mistake committed by the typist. In the further
affidavit it has been stated that the learned counsel drafting the petition took
note of mistake committed by the typist and accordingly drafted the reply. c
It is pointed out that the correct documents were available with CEC and
he would not derive any advantage by taking plea contrary to the documents.
The specific case is that the mistake occurred at the stage of filing of the
reply. Even ifthat is so, it is certainly a very careless act and more care and
caution was necessary, particularly when the affidavits were being filed D
before this Court.

The stand of contemnors also is further falsified when one takes note
of the order passed by the High Court in Kitply 's case on 10.8. I 998. It was
clarified that for operation of any machinery for cutting, slicing and/or
peeling the timber - a license under Rule 23 (I )(ii) of the Bombay Transit E
of Forest Produce (Vidarbha region Saurashtra and Kutch Area) Rules, 1960
is required. It is not disputed that since I 999 corresponding Rule 88 of
Bombay Forest Rules, 1942 (in short 'Forest Rules, 1942) has become
applicable for entire Maharashtra. Keeping that in view I.A.No.4 I 4 of 1999
was filed to permit grant of license under Forest Rules, 1942 to unlicensed F
Plywood/veneer industries, which had NOC, industrial license etc. and to
wood based industries which intended to operate only on imported timber.
The said I.A. was rejected by this Court on 14.7.2003. This Court accepted
recommendations of CEC. It was further directed as follows:

"So far as 64 saw mills which claimed to be actually eligible for G
grant of licenses as per notification dated 16.7. I 981 are concerned
their cases may be examined by the State Government within a
period of two months and if found eligible, their application may
be sent to the CEC which may submit a report to this Court".
(Underlined for emphasis) H
236 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2006] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.

A It is thus crystal clear that the applications of those eligible for grant
of licenses were required to be sent to CEC, who was then required to submit
a report to this Court. Thereafter, this Court would have decided on the
question of entitlement for license. The procedure mandated by this
Court was not followed. Instead of that by their impugned actions, the
contemnors permitted resumption of operations by the unit holders. There
B was absolutely no confusion or scope for entertaining doubt as claimed by
the contemnors.

There is one other factor which shows the brazen manner in which facts
have been distorted and without any manner of doubt wilfully. As noted by
C the CEC in its second Report. the Chief Conservator of Forests, Maharashtra
by his letter dated 15.2.2000 had stated that pursuant to this Court's order
dated 4.3.1997 and High Court's order dated 10.8.1998, 40 unlicensed
plywood/veneer units were closed during 1999. These 40 units include the
six units to whom subsequently permission was granted. Their names figure
at SI. Nos. 29, 30, 36, 37, 38 and 55 of the list enclosed to the letter dated
D 15.2.2000. But during a raid conducted by the Regional Deputy Director
(WL) Western Region, MOEF on 22.3.2004, the premises of one of six units
Mis Oriental Veneer Products Pvt. Ltd. (which was sealed on 21.3.1999),
the seal was found to be broken and the unit was functioning. The raid
conducted on 22.3.2004 appears to have pressed the panic button for making
E representations on or about 25.3.2004. The orders were passed on these
representations showing scant regard for this Court's order.

The explanations of the contemnors are clearly unacceptable. Mens rea
is writ large.

F The inevitable conclusion is that both the contemnors I and 2 deliberately
flouted the orders of this Court in a brazen manner. It cannot be said by any
stretch of imagination that there was no mens rea involved. The fact situation
clearly shows to the contrary.

Learned counsel appearing for contemnor No. I and 2 stated that they
G have tendered unconditional apology which should be accepted.

Apology is an act of contrition. Unless apology is offered at the earliest
opportunity and in good grace, the apology is shorn of penitence and hence
it is liable to be rejected. If the apology is offered at the time when the
contemnor finds that the court is going to impose punishment it ceases to
H be an apology and becomes an act of a cringing coward.'
T.N. GODAVARMAN THIRUMULPAD THROUGH TIIE AMICUS CURIAE'· A. KHOT [ARIJIT PASAYAT, J.] 23 7

Apology is not a weapon of defence to purge the guilty of their offence, A
nor is it intended to operate as universal panacea, but it is intended to be
I
evidence of real contriteness. As was noted in L.D. Jaikwal v. State of Uttar
Pradesh, AIR (1984) SC 1374 "We are sorry to say we cannot subscribe to
the 'slap-say sorry-and forget' school of thought in administration of
contempt jurisprudence. Saying 'sorry' does not make the slapper taken the
slap smart less upon the said hypocritical word being uttered. Apology shall
B
not be paper apology and expression of sorrow should come from the heart
and not from the pen. For it is one thing to 'say' sorry-it is another to 'feel'
sorry.

Proceedings for contempt are essentially personal and punitive. This c
does not mean that it is not open to the Court, as a matter of law to make
a finding of contempt against any official of the Government say Home
Secretary or a Minister.

While contempt proceedings usually have these characteristics and
contempt proceedings against a Government department or a minister in an D
official capacity would not be either personal or punitive (it would clearly
not be appropriate to fine or sequest the assets of the Crown or a Government
department or an officer of the Crown acting in his official capacity), this
does not mean that a finding of contempt against a Government department
or minister would be pointless. The very fact of making such a finding would E
vindicate the requirements of justice. In addition an order for costs could be
made to underline the significance of a contempt. A purpose of the court's
powers to make findings of contempt is to ensure the orders of the court are
obeyed. This jurisdiction is required to be co-extensive with the courts'
jurisdiction to make the orders which need the protection which the
F
jurisdiction to make findings of contempt provides. In civil proceedings the
court can now make orders (other than injunctions or for specific perfonnance)
against authorized Government departments or the Attorney General. On
}.
applications for judicial review orders can be made ag~inst ministers. In
consequence such orders must be taken not to offend the theory that the
Crown can supposedly do no wrong. Equally, if such orders are made and G
not obeyed, the body against whom the orders were made can be found guilty
of contempt without offending that theory, which could be the only
justifiable impediment against making a finding of contempt. (See M v.
Home Office, [1993] 3 All ER 537.
H
238 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2006] SUPP. 2 S.C.R.

A This is a case where not only right from the beginning attempt has been
made to overreach the orders of this Court but also to draw red-herrings. Still
worse is the accepted position of inserting a note in the official file with
oblique motives. That makes the situation worse. In this case the contemnors
deserve severe punishment. This will set an example for those who have
propensity of dis-regarding the court's orders because of their money power,
B social status or posts held. Exemplary sentences are called for in respect of
both the contemnors. Custodial sentence of one month simple imprisonment
in each case would meet the ends of justice. It is to be noted that in Re: Sri
Pravakar Behera (Suo Motu C.P. 30112003 dated 19.12.2003) (2003 (JO)
SCALE 1126), this Court had imposed costs of Rs.50,000 on a D.F.O. on
C the ground that renewal of license was not impermissible in cases ...where
licenses were issued prior to this Court's order dated 4.3 .1997. That was the
case of an officer in the lower rung. Considering the high positions held by
the contemnors more stringent punishment is called for, and, therefore, we
are compressing custodial sentence.
D
The contempt petition No.83 of 2005 with I.A. Nos.1503 and 1504
in WP (C) No. 202 of 1995 are disposed of.

v.s. Contempt petition and !As in
writ petition disposed of.