Karnataka HC Drops Contempt Case After Secretary Considers Plea To Remove State Waqf Board Chair, Probe Alleged Dargah Misappropriation

In W.P. No. 201204/2026, the High Court directed the Principal Secretary, Department of Minority Welfare and Wakf, to consider the complainant’s representation dated 13 January 2026 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, as expeditiously as possible and within three months of receiving the order.

Alleging non-compliance, the complainant initiated contempt proceedings under Sections 11 and 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

The current Secretary stated that a hearing had been held on 10 September 2026, that she assumed office on 5 October 2026, and that she heard the complainant on 6 October 2026.

She further stated that an order on the representation was issued on 14 October 2026 and tendered an unconditional apology for the delay.

The petition invoked Sections 11 and 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, read with Article 215 of the Constitution of India, as the basis for the High Court’s contempt jurisdiction.

The underlying writ order required the respondent to consider the specified representation and make an order in accordance with law within the prescribed period.

The judgment cites no precedent and does not set out a separate test for civil contempt or for accepting an apology.

The Court considered the compliance affidavit, which stated that the representation had been heard and an order issued on 14 October 2026, and which tendered an unconditional apology for the delay.

It found that the directions in the writ petition had been complied with and accepted the affidavit on record.

On that basis, it concluded that the contempt petition no longer survived for consideration.

It accordingly dropped the petition and discharged the notice issued to the respondents.