Contempt Of Court: IAS Officer Booked For Allegedly Threatening Judge

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has summoned Ganderbal District Commissioner Shyambir Singh in a criminal contempt case.

A bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Sanjeev Kumar has directed the official to appear in person before the court on August 5 at 11 am sharp to answer the charges against him.

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The court stated, "Issue notice to the contemnor, Mr. Shyambir by Humdast. The contemnor shall appear in person before this court on Monday ie August 5 at 11 a.m. sharp."

The proceedings were initiated after allegations surfaced that Singh, a 2018-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, had retaliated against Ganderbal sub-judge Fayaz Ahmad Qureshi and abused his official position to intimidate and harass the judge.

Sub-judge Qureshi had previously ordered the attachment of Singh's salary due to his non-compliance with an October 2022 judgment.

The Deputy Commissioner allegedly misused his position by orchestrating unauthorized visits to the judge's property by government officials, actions perceived as an attempt to undermine judicial authority and retaliate against the court's decision.

In response to these allegations, criminal contempt proceedings were ordered last month, with the sub-judge also recommending that the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary take administrative action against Singh under the Government Conduct Rules, 1971, describing him as a "constant potential threat" to the judiciary.

The High Court has warned that any attempt by Singh to avoid service of summons or fail to appear will be "viewed seriously," with the court prepared to "resort to coercive proceedings to secure his presence."

Senior counsel Riyaz Ahmad Jan has been appointed as amicus curiae to assist in the court proceedings.