Supreme Court Demotes Andhra Pradesh Official for Ignoring Court Orders

The Supreme Court has taken a firm stance against the disobedience of court orders, reinforcing the bedrock principle that no individual or authority is above the law. This precedent-setting action comes as the apex court ordered the demotion of an Andhra Pradesh official, previously a deputy collector, to the rank of tehsildar for his non-compliance with a high court directive.

In a judgment delivered by Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih, the court underscored the necessity of adhering to legal mandates, emphasizing the fundamental role such compliance plays in upholding the rule of law, a cornerstone of democratic governance. The official in question was found guilty of unjustly evicting hutment dwellers despite explicit judicial instructions not to proceed.

The Supreme Court further levied a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the official, signaling a judicial warning against similar future infractions. In its deliberations, the bench highlighted the balance between maintaining the majesty of law through forgiveness, while ensuring no leniency is misinterpreted as weakness in judicial authority.

(With inputs from agencies.)