Karnataka HC Closes Contempt Case Over 27 Civic Employees’ Seniority, Leaves Them Free To Challenge GBA’s Rejection Of Their Representations

The complainants alleged wilful disobedience of the order dated 17 September 2025 in W.P. No. 25840/2024, which directed respondents 2–4 to consider their representations in light of the judgment in W.P. No. 24317/2021.

The earlier writ order had directed that seniority be reckoned from the respective dates of regularisation.

In the contempt proceedings, the Court considered an affidavit enclosing the Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority’s order dated 24 September 2026. That order addressed the complainants’ seniority and promotion consideration and stated that their representations could not be considered under the applicable rules.

The petition invoked Article 215 of the Constitution and Sections 11 and 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, concerning the High Court’s contempt jurisdiction and power to punish for contempt.

The underlying writ order required the representations to be considered in light of the decision in W.P. No. 24317/2021.

The administrative order referred to Rule 6 of the Karnataka Government Servants (Seniority) Rules, 1957, and concluded that seniority had been fixed under that rule and promotion consideration was in accordance with the erstwhile Cadre and Recruitment Rules.

The Court examined the administrative order passed after the writ direction and noted that it addressed the complainants’ seniority, promotion consideration and representations, concluding that the representations could not be considered under the rules.

Rather than determine the correctness of that decision in contempt proceedings, the Court left the complainants free to challenge it before the appropriate forum.