Supreme Court issues contempt notice to AIIMS acting director after expressing displeasure over non-compliance with its affidavit order.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued a contempt notice to the acting director of AIIMS New Delhi after expressing strong displeasure over the non-filing of an affidavit that the court had specifically directed him to submit in a matrimonial dispute.
A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan noted that the AIIMS director had been impleaded in the matter on April 16 and was asked to furnish an explanation through an affidavit.
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Court objects to affidavit filed by another official
During the hearing, the apex court observed that the affidavit had instead been filed by Nishant Kumar, who identified himself as a deputy secretary at AIIMS New Delhi and claimed to have been authorised to submit the document.
The bench termed this aspect "objectionable" and said the court had specifically sought an explanation from the AIIMS director, not from an authorised representative.
The judges remarked that it was not within the discretion of any individual to delegate the responsibility when the court had issued a direct order to a particular office holder.
Bench says acting officials cannot avoid responsibility
The court was informed that AIIMS currently does not have a permanent director and is being headed by an acting director.
When questioned about the absence of an affidavit from the acting director, the response was that he was serving only in a temporary capacity.
The bench expressed dissatisfaction with this explanation and observed that anyone holding a post, whether permanently or temporarily, is expected to discharge all responsibilities attached to that office.
The court further stated that it would not extend the benefit of doubt on grounds of ignorance regarding compliance with judicial directions. Taking note of the circumstances, the Supreme Court said its tentative view was that the acting director had committed contempt of court.
The bench subsequently impleaded Dr Nikhil Tandon, the acting director of AIIMS New Delhi, as a respondent in the case and issued a contempt notice against him.
The court directed him to remain personally present and submit his explanation when the matter is taken up next on July 7, 2026.
DNA report submitted in matrimonial case
The case also involved a DNA analysis report prepared by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at AIIMS.
According to the report placed before the court, the DNA profile of the child matched the profiles of the parties concerned and confirmed the biological father-child relationship.
The report forms part of the evidence being considered by the Supreme Court in the ongoing matrimonial proceedings.
The contempt proceedings and the underlying matrimonial dispute will now continue before the Supreme Court, with the acting director expected to personally explain the circumstances that led to the court's order not being followed as directed.
(With PTI inputs)
Published: 05 Jun 2026, 05:14 pm IST
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