Smt Farzana v. Sri.M.K. Muhammed Shafi Saadi
Case brief
What is this about?
Four civil contempt petitions were filed by Junior Training Officers against the Karnataka State Board of Wakf and its officers for willful disobedience of High Court orders directing grant of pay scale, allowances and benefits on par with similarly placed officers. The Division Bench had confirmed the Single Judge's order allowing the writ petitions and directed compliance within nine months. Despite undertakings and multiple affidavits, the accused delayed compliance for years, citing financial difficulties and board approval issues. The court found that the compliance affidavits dated 29.10.2025 and 27.02.2026, along with demand drafts drawn pursuant to the Wakf Board's order, demonstrated an attempt to comply, so willful disobedience was not established. However, due to the inordinate
What did the court decide?
Accused directed to pay the amounts calculated in the affidavit dated 27.02.2026 within 15 days of receipt of the order, along with interest at 9% per annum from the date of expiry of nine months from 12.07.2021 till actual payment. Contempt notices discharged. Complainants at liberty to challenge calculations in separate proceedings.