Kerala Judges File Contempt Petition Against State in Supreme Court

Fast Summary

• Judicial officers in Kerala have filed a contempt of court plea in the Supreme Court against the State government for failing to comply with directives on allowances and benefits.
• the petition, filed by A.B. Anand, Secretary of Kerala Judicial Officers’ Association, accuses the government of obstructing justice through deliberate non-compliance.
• Nearly 600 judicial officers are represented by the association, which has named the Chief Secretary and secretaries from home and Finance departments as responsible for disobeying apex court orders.
• The Supreme Court had earlier directed all States/uts to disburse salary arrears, pensions, allowances to serving and retired judicial officers before February 29, 2024; this directive has reportedly been flouted by Kerala’s government.
• Denial of specific benefits was highlighted: increments for higher educational qualifications (affecting over 100 officers), revised conveyance allowance including eco-friendly vehicle reimbursement, refusal to cover fuel costs in eligible cities, furniture reimbursements, interest on soft loans for vehicles (8%), rent-free accomodation upon transfers (30 days), among others sanctioned by SC.
• Judiciary alleges state government’s actions dilute or negate Court’s binding judgment. Case awaited review in Supreme Court.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This development underscores significant friction between administrative governance and judiciary mandates regarding workplace entitlements. The alleged failure of Kerala’s state government to meet Supreme Court directives carries legal implications beyond monetary compensation.It reflects deeper challenges around federal adherence to judicial authority-a cornerstone principle ensuring checks-and-balances across institutions.

The case is likely pivotal not only as a matter of compliance but also concerning its broader importance toward institutional respect between executive governance at State levels toward binding central apex judgments intended uniformly nationwide। Such tension signals requires stricter scrutiny stakeholders efficiency relations integrity long-term…Read More.