In a stern message, the Supreme Court on Monday told all the states “to take serious note of court orders and comply with them seriously”. The remark came as a visibly annoyed Bench of Justices Markandeya Katju and S B Sinha accepted “an unconditional apology” from the Andhra chief secretary—who was directed to be present in person on Monday—for his apparent failure for not furnishing the response on behalf of the state, despite repeated chances being given in the said matter.

The Bench without mincing any words said, “We hope in future, in view of seriousness of the issue, all the states shall take serious note of court orders and comply with them.”

On March 29, 2007, the Bench, which is seized of the PIL seeking implementation of certain provisions of the Disabilities Act, 1995 had taken note of the state’s chief secretary’s “wilful disobeyance” to court orders after which, he was directed to remain personally present in the court on the next date.

“Some of the officers have become too big for their boots,” remarked the Bench as it recalled how despite being given five chances to file the response, the officer responsible failed to do so. “We were even planning to send him to jail (for contempt),” the court observed as the state counsel tendered an apology on behalf of the chief secretary. Filing the affidavits finally, the chief secretary on his part submitted, “Delay in complying with the order is neither willful nor deliberate. At the same time, inconvenience caused to the court is deeply regretted and may kindly be condoned.”

... contd.