Case Note & Summary
The present contempt petition was filed by Bharat Kumar Badlani against the Deputy Commissioner, Vigilance, Nagar Nigam Heritage, Jaipur; the Director-cum-Special Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Jaipur; and the Commissioner, Nagar Nigam Heritage, Jaipur, alleging wilful disobedience of the interim order dated 30th January 2026 passed by the Supreme Court in I.A. No. 14401 of 2026 in SLP(C) No. 30588 of 2025. The interim order directed the concerned authorities to open/de-seal the premises bearing House No. 74, Rajamal Ka Talab, Janta Market Road, Chowkdi Sarhad, Jaipur, and to restore possession thereof to the petitioner. The background of the case involves a Public Interest Litigation before the Rajasthan High Court regarding unauthorised construction in the Walled City area of Jaipur. The High Court passed orders of demolition and permanent sealing of certain private properties, including that of the petitioner, without impleadment or opportunity of hearing. Several Special Leave Petitions were filed, and the Supreme Court issued notice and stayed the operation of the High Court's orders. Subsequently, the Supreme Court passed orders for de-sealing of certain properties. The petitioner contended that despite the interim order, the respondents failed to comply and continued to seal the premises. The respondents argued that the High Court's demolition order was still in force and that the interim stay was not communicated to them. The Supreme Court examined the facts and found that the respondents had not wilfully disobeyed the order. The Court noted that the High Court's order of demolition and sealing was still operative and that the interim stay was not communicated to the respondents. Therefore, the contempt petition was dismissed.
Headnote
A) Contempt of Court - Wilful Disobedience - Interim Order - Compliance - The petitioner alleged wilful disobedience of the interim order dated 30.01.2026 directing de-sealing and restoration of possession of House No. 74, Rajamal Ka Talab, Jaipur. The Court held that the respondents had not wilfully disobeyed the order as the High Court's demolition order was still in force and the interim stay was not communicated to the respondents. The contempt petition was dismissed. (Paras 1-6)
Issue of Consideration
Whether the respondents committed contempt of court by wilfully disobeying the interim order dated 30th January 2026 directing de-sealing and restoration of possession of the petitioner's premises.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court dismissed the contempt petition, holding that there was no wilful disobedience of the interim order as the High Court's demolition order was still operative and the interim stay was not communicated to the respondents.
Law Points
- Contempt of Court
- Wilful Disobedience
- Interim Order
- Compliance
- Stay Order
- Communication of Order
