The Madras High Court on Monday ordered notice on a contempt petition seeking action against government officials for wilfully disobeying the court orders of January 23 in the matter relating to reinstatement of Makkal Nala Paniyalargal (MNP) in the State.
When the matter came up before Justice K. Suguna, she posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks to enable the government counsel to get instructions.
In its petition, filed through counsel R.Vaigai, the Dindigul Mavatta Makkal Nalappaniyalargal Nala Sangam (welfare association), stated that by an order on January 23, the court had set aside a G.O. of November 8 last year and directed the authorities to reinstate all the MNP with benefits.
Representation ignored
The association had sent a representation to the authorities, requesting them to implement the court's decision. There was no response. The livelihood of MNP was at stake.
The State government had informed the Supreme Court that it was not pressing a Special Leave Petition and it dismissed the SLP on January 30.
The petitioner said the authorities had no intention of implementing the High Court order. The action of Palaniyappan and Vijayakumar, Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, amounted to wilful disobedience and gross contempt of the court. Contempt proceedings should be initiated against them.
