Contempt proceedings shall be closed where the underlying order is stayed by a superior court.

The petitioners, Group 'C' employees of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), filed a Contempt Petition (C.P. No. 32/2025) alleging non-compliance with the Tribunal's directions in O.A. No. 1418/2020

During the hearing on March 18, 2026, the respondents informed the Tribunal that the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi had stayed the operation of the order passed in the original application (OA) which was the subject of the contempt proceedings

Whether the Contempt Petition can proceed while the underlying order of the Tribunal is stayed by the Hon’ble High Court

The Tribunal relied on the general principles of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, and judicial discipline, which establish that contempt proceedings cannot be pursued for the enforcement of an order that has been stayed by a superior court

The Tribunal considered the respondents' categorical statement regarding the stay granted by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi

It determined that because the parent order in O.A. No. 1418/2020 was no longer currently enforceable due to the stay, the contempt proceedings must be closed

The Tribunal acknowledged the petitioners' request for liberty to revive the matter or take legal recourse depending on the outcome of the High Court proceedings

It granted the petitioners liberty to revive the petition in accordance with law, if necessary, following the resolution of the stay

All pending Miscellaneous Applications (MAs) were disposed of with no order as to costs