Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, E. Venkatraman, filed a contempt petition under Section 11 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, alleging willful disobedience by the respondent, Dr. J. Prakash, Registrar of Anna University, of an order dated 01.08.2025 passed by the Madras High Court in W.P.No.28260 of 2025. The court had directed the respondent to take certain action, which the petitioner claimed was not complied with. When the contempt petition was taken up for hearing on 22.01.2026, the learned Standing Counsel for the respondent submitted that the order had been complied with and that a copy of the order dated 17.09.2025 had been furnished to the petitioner's counsel. In view of this submission, the court found that the order had been complied with and closed the contempt petition, imposing no costs. The court did not delve into the merits of the original writ petition or the contempt allegations, as the compliance rendered the proceedings infructuous.
Headnote
A) Contempt of Court - Willful Disobedience - Section 11, Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 - Compliance with Court Order - The contempt petition was filed alleging willful disobedience of an order dated 01.08.2025 in W.P.No.28260 of 2025. The respondent's counsel submitted that the order had been complied with and a copy of the order dated 17.09.2025 was furnished to the petitioner's counsel. In view of compliance, the court closed the contempt petition without costs. Held that compliance renders contempt proceedings infructuous (Paras 1-3).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the respondent had willfully disobeyed the order dated 01.08.2025 in W.P.No.28260 of 2025, warranting punishment under Section 11 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Final Decision
The contempt petition is closed as the respondent complied with the order. No costs imposed.
Law Points
- Contempt of Courts Act
- 1971
- Section 11
- Compliance with court order
- Closure of contempt proceedings upon compliance
