While ordering contempt proceedings to be instituted against Ranvir Prasad, the bench of Justice J.J. Munir and Justice Indrajeet Shukla observed,

“In addition, the Principal Secretary Ranvir Prasad being cognizant of the orders of the Division Bench requiring arbitration to commence and be completed within four months has shown the audacity to say that the arbitration is not maintainable because the terms of the Government Orders have not been complied with, is prima facie also in contempt of this Court.”

Earlier petition was filed before the High Court on disputes regarding quantity of paddy supplied and other issues of fact relating to holding charges statutory and contractual dues. A division bench had directed parties to adjudicate claims before an arbitrator in lieu of the agreement between them and the arbitrator was directed to decide the claim within 4 months. This order was passed on 8^th January, 2026.

The Principal Secretary, Department of Food and Civil Supply acting on behalf of the Government of U.P. stated that the matter could not be referred to arbitration as deposits in lieu of Government Orders dated 09.10.2015 and 17.12.2015 were not made. The Court observed that this order was prima facie nullifying the High Court's order.

“It is a settled principle of law that any order that is in violation of a judicial order passed by a court of competent jurisdiction much less this Court is non est.”

Accordingly, the Court directed that the matter be placed before the Chief Justice for registration of contempt of Court proceedings against Ranvir Prasad, Principal Secretary, Department of Food and Civil Supply acting on behalf of the Government of U.P.

The case is next listed on 1^st October.