The High Court of Punjab & Haryana disposes of a contempt petition as ‘not pressed’ after the respondent-authority’s speaking order, clarifying that litigants may withdraw contempt proceedings and pursue alternative remedies. The ruling follows standard practice, providing practical guidance for handling contempt petitions post-compliance, and serves as binding authority within the jurisdiction.
Summary
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Case Name | COCP/4703/2025 of DHEERAJ KUMAR Vs RAJVEEV VERMA AND OTHERS |
| CNR | PHHC011463742025 |
| Date of Registration | 11-09-2025 |
| Decision Date | 30-10-2025 |
| Disposal Nature | DISPOSED OF |
| Judgment Author | MR. JUSTICE VIKRAM AGGARWAL |
| Court | High Court of Punjab and Haryana |
| Precedent Value | Binding within jurisdiction |
| Type of Law | Contempt of Court, Administrative Law |
| Ratio Decidendi |
The Court held that where the petitioner does not wish to press a contempt petition following the passing of a speaking order by the respondent-authority, the petition may be disposed of as ‘not pressed’. The petitioner is at liberty to pursue other remedies, if advised, against the speaking order. Rule accordingly stands discharged and pending applications are also disposed of. |
| Facts as Summarised by the Court |
Status report was filed by the Senior Superintendent of Police, UT Chandigarh. The petitioner, through counsel, submitted that due to a speaking order dated 28.10.2025 by the respondent-authority, he did not wish to press the contempt petition at this stage and may seek other legal remedies. |
Practical Impact
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Binding On | All subordinate courts in Punjab & Haryana and UT Chandigarh. |
| Persuasive For | Other High Courts regarding disposal of contempt petitions post-compliance or order passed by authority. |
What’s New / What Lawyers Should Note
- Reaffirms that a contempt petition can be disposed of as “not pressed” if the petitioner is satisfied with a speaking order issued during proceedings.
- Clarifies litigants’ liberty to pursue all other admissible remedies, even after withdrawal of contempt proceedings.
- Confirms court’s practice of taking on record compliance status reports filed by authorities as part of contempt matters.
Summary of Legal Reasoning
- The Court recorded the filing of a status report by the relevant authority, noting compliance or response.
- Noting the petitioner’s statement through counsel that, due to issuance of a speaking order dated 28.10.2025, the Court held there was no further cause to continue with the contempt petition.
- The petitioner is expressly permitted to avail other remedies under law against the speaking order if so advised.
- On this basis, the contempt petition and all pending applications were disposed of, and relevant rules discharged.
Arguments by the Parties
Petitioner
- In view of the speaking order dated 28.10.2025 passed by the respondent-authority, the petitioner does not wish to press the instant contempt petition at this stage.
- Petitioner reserves the right to avail of other remedies as admissible in law against the said order.
Respondent
- Status report by way of affidavit of Senior Superintendent of Police, UT, Chandigarh, was filed in Court.
Factual Background
The petitioner filed a contempt petition alleging non-compliance with a prior order. During the pendency, the respondent-authority passed a speaking order dated 28.10.2025. Following this, a status report was submitted in Court. The petitioner, through counsel, indicated satisfaction with this development and opted not to press the contempt proceedings further, reserving his right to seek other remedies.
Statutory Analysis
No statutory provisions were expressly discussed or interpreted in the judgment. The disposition proceeded on procedural grounds based on the petitioner’s submissions and compliance by the authority.
Procedural Innovations
None indicated; the Court followed standard procedure in disposing of a contempt petition as “not pressed” after a status report and speaking order were filed.
Alert Indicators
- ✔ Precedent Followed – Court applies and affirms established procedure for disposal of contempt petitions following compliance or speaking order by the authority.