High Court Summons Deputy Commissioner in Criminal Contempt Case

The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh summoned Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner Shyambir Singh in a criminal contempt case. Singh allegedly retaliated against Sub-Judge Fayaz Ahmad Qureshi by misusing his position. Singh must appear in court on August 5. Senior counsel RA Jan was appointed to assist in the proceedings.

The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a summons to Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner Shyambir Singh in an alleged criminal contempt case, instructing him to appear in person on August 5.

A bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Sanjeev Kumar directed Singh to address the criminal contempt charges lodged against him personally.

'Issue notice to the contemnor, Mr. Shyambir by Humdast. The contemnor shall appear in person before this court on Monday, August 5 at 11:00 am sharp,' the court ordered.

The court also appointed senior counsel RA Jan as amicus curiae to assist in the proceedings.

The contempt proceedings against Singh, a 2018-batch IAS officer, began following allegations that he retaliated against Sub-Judge Fayaz Ahmad Qureshi. Qureshi had ordered the attachment of Singh's salary due to non-compliance with an October 2022 judgment, prompting Singh to allegedly misuse his position, including unauthorized visits to Qureshi's property by government officials.

Qureshi viewed these actions as attempts to undermine judicial authority. He recommended administrative action against Singh under the Government Conduct Rules, 1971, labeling him a 'constant potential threat' to the judiciary.

The bench warned that any attempt by Singh to avoid the service of summons or fail to appear would lead to coercive measures to ensure his presence.