Sri Byrappa v. Sri. Shivaraj
Case brief
What is this about?
CCC No. 691 of 2024 (Civil), High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru, decided 08.01.2025. Contempt petition by Byrappa and Krishnappa against Shivaraj, Tahasildar, Devanahalli Taluk (State of Karnataka proforma respondent) for non-compliance of order dated 08.04.2024 in W.P.No.10511/2024 (KLR-RR/SUR) requiring consideration of application for survey sketch, phodi and durast of Survey No.11/B11/P1, Kushki land, 0-19 guntas, Tammenahalli Village. Endorsement dated 09.07.2024 showed competing possession by Smt. Shanthamma w/o late Ramaiah and spot inspection on 19.06.2024; dispute referred to Civil Court. No contempt, much less willful contempt, found; contempt petition dismissed. Statutes: Ss. 11, 12 Contempt of Courts Act 1971 r/w Art. 215, Constitution of India. Bench: CJ N. V. Anjaria (author) with J. M. I. Arun. No precedents cited.
What did the court decide?
On the facts and circumstances emerging (including the compliance affidavit and endorsement dated 09.07.2024 showing phodi/durast work undertaken and a competing possession claim by Smt. Shanthamma), it is not possible for the Court to conclude that any of the respondents committed contempt of court, much less willful contempt, so as to permit the complainants to maintain the present contempt proceedings against the respondents.