Contempt Proceedings Rendered Infructuous Upon Compliance and Payment of Claimed Allowances

147 petitioners, primarily Group 'C' employees (Electricians, FGM, Mates, etc.) working under the Commander Works Engineer (Air Force) at various stations like Tughlakabad, Palam, and Subroto Park, filed a Contempt Petition (CP) against the respondents.

The petition alleged non-compliance with the Tribunal’s order dated 18.11.2024 passed in O.A. No. 146/2024.

During the proceedings on April 9, 2026, the respondents submitted a compliance affidavit dated 22.09.2025.

1. Whether the respondents willfully disobeyed the Tribunal's directions regarding the payment of Dress Allowances to the petitioners.

2. Whether the Contempt Petition survives for adjudication following the filing of the compliance affidavit.

The court applied the principles of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, specifically regarding the purging of contempt through substantial compliance with judicial orders.

The core principle dictates that once an order of the Court/Tribunal has been implemented—in this case, the payment of statutory allowances—the grievance for contempt is rendered infructuous, as the "willful disobedience" required for contempt no longer exists.

The Tribunal examined the compliance affidavit submitted by the respondents on 22.09.2025 where the respondents successfully demonstrated that in adherence to the prior order dated 18.11.2024, the specific relief sought (payment of Dress Allowances) had been extended to the petitioners.

As the primary grievance regarding the non-payment was addressed during the pendency of the petition, the Tribunal found that the intent to defy the authority of the court was absent.

Consequently, the Tribunal determined that nothing remains for further adjudication within the limited scope of contempt jurisdiction.

The Contempt Petition was closed, and the notices issued to the contemnors were discharged, granted liberty to the petitioners to challenge the specific order of the respondents through a fresh legal proceeding if any grievance regarding the manner or quantum of payment still subsists.