‘Audacity to defy court’: Bombay HC pulls up SSC director, issues contempt notice

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has taken a strong stand against non-compliance with judicial orders, issuing a contempt notice to the director of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).

The court criticised what it termed the “audacity” of officials who fail to follow binding directions, warning that such conduct undermines the rule of law.

What triggered the contempt action

The case relates to two Pune-based candidates, Sushant Sarode and Aniket Jadhav, who had applied for recruitment to central forces such as the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Border Security Force (BSF).

They were denied entry into the training programme after failing to meet the prescribed height requirement during a physical examination. However, the High Court had earlier ruled in their favour, noting that the height shortfall was minimal and directing authorities to induct them into training.

Despite this clear order, the candidates have not yet been admitted, prompting the court to initiate contempt proceedings.

A bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Hiten Venegaonkar expressed concern over what it sees as a growing pattern of disobedience by government authorities. The court observed that hundreds of contempt petitions are filed every year, most involving state or central government officials.

It stated that such behaviour reflects a lack of discipline among public servants and erodes respect for the “majesty of law”. The bench also noted that the SSC director failed to appear before the court despite being directed to do so, further aggravating the issue.

Directions issued by the High Court

The High Court has issued a formal contempt notice to SSC Director R G Singh, asking him to explain his conduct. He has been given the liberty to file an affidavit detailing reasons for non-compliance.

The matter has been listed for further hearing, where the court is expected to review the response and decide on the next course of action.

The case highlights a broader institutional concern regarding enforcement of judicial orders in India. Repeated instances of non-compliance not only delay justice for individuals but also weaken confidence in administrative accountability.

By taking a strict view in this matter, the Bombay High Court has signalled that failure to follow court directives—especially in cases affecting careers and fundamental rights—will attract serious consequences.