The Delhi High Court has issued contempt notice to two men who allegedly released dogs on a Local Commissioner and the photographer accompanying her during execution of a commission appointed by the Court.

Justice Amit Bansal was hearing a plea alleging violation of the Court's orders and obstruction in execution of the commission.

The Court perused the report submitted by the Local Commissioner appointed on July 23. The report referred to obstruction allegedly caused during execution of the commission.

Taking note of the report, the Court observed that it was a “serious matter” where dogs had been released on the Local Commissioner as well as the photographer accompanying her.

The Local Commissioner had also placed photographs and videos on record showing the alleged obstruction by the two men- Pravesh Lakra and Chandan Shukla.

The Court noted that despite being informed that the proceedings and any obstruction would be duly recorded, the two continued to interfere with the execution of the commission.

“The conduct of the appellants, as highlighted by the Local Commissioner, is a serious issue which prima facie shows that the appellants have caused obstruction in the execution of the Commission appointed by this Court,” the Court said.

It ordered: “In this view of the matter, I deem it appropriate to issue notice to the appellants as to why action should not be taken against them under the Contempt of Courts Act for the conduct as depicted by the Local Commissioner in her report. Contempt Notice be issued to Mr. Pravesh Lakra and Mr. Chandan Shukla.”

Justice Bansal also directed the two men to file their affidavits within four weeks explaining why action should not be initiated against them for violation and wilful disobedience of judicial orders.

The matter has now been listed for November 19. Lakra and Shukla have been directed to remain physically present before the Court on the next date.

The Court Commissioner was appointed after an application was filed by the respondent for restraining the appellants from raising further construction, or carrying out any digging of soil, in the suit property.

It was alleged that despite a judicial order passed in March 2022, the appellants were continuing with the construction at the suit property.

Accordingly, Advocate Akanksha Bisht was appointed the Local Commissioner on July 23 to visit the suit property situated in Mehrauli.

The parties were directed to provide full assistance to the Local Commissioner for executing the commission. 

Title: Sis Ram (Deceased) & Anr. v. Sanjay Gupta

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