Supreme Court Upholds Rule of Law in Andhra Pradesh Demotion Case

The Indian Supreme Court directed the Andhra Pradesh government to demote a deputy collector to tehsildar for defying a high court's order. The officer had forcibly removed hutments in Guntur district, despite a court directive. The move reinforces that no one is above the law.

The Supreme Court of India has instructed the Andhra Pradesh government to demote a deputy collector to the position of tehsildar. The decision came after the court found the officer in contempt for ignoring a high court order by forcibly removing hutments in Guntur district back in January 2014.

A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih emphasized that all authorities, regardless of their rank or status, are obligated to adhere to court orders. They cautioned that disobedience undermines the rule of law, a cornerstone of democratic governance.

While the Supreme Court confirmed the officer's conviction for 'deliberate and utter disobedience,' it modified a high court sentence of two months' imprisonment to a demotion. Additionally, the officer is required to pay a fine of Rs one lakh, reinforcing the message that the judiciary's mandates must be respected.

(With inputs from agencies.)