extension of time to comply with the order of this Court. Having chosen not to seek extension, the respondents cannot be heard to contend that despite a direction to comply with the order within two months from the date of receipt of a copy of the order, they are justified in complying with the order at their convenience, without adhering to the time limit imposed by this Court. The order of this Court has been violated to the extent this Court directed compliance of its orders within two months. On being asked as to what was the appropriate punishment, Learned Government Pleader would submit that, since the delay was unintentional, this Court should refrain from imposing any punishment on a Senior Officer of the Government. I must express my inability to agree. It is incumbent upon the respondents, more particularly those who hold senior positions in Government, to ensure that the orders of this Court are complied with promptitude, and within the time stipulated for its compliance. Any difficulty which they may have in complying with orders of Court would require them to invoke this Court’s jurisdiction seeking extension of time to comply with the orders. Admittedly, in the present case, no such efforts were made by the fourth respondent. While holding the fourth respondent guilty of contempt, and for having violated the orders of this Court to the extent he failed to comply with the order of this Court within the time specified, I consider it appropriate to impose on the fourth respondent a fine of Rs.1,000/- (Rupees one thousand only), which the fourth respondent shall pay within four (4) weeks from today.
