Shimla - In a scathing indictment of government incompetence, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, presided over by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Sharma, has criticized the indifferent attitude of government officials towards implementing court orders, citing a case where a petitioner was compelled to seek legal recourse due to administrative lapses.
The case, bearing CWP No.1565 of 2024, involved Parvati Devi as the petitioner and the State of Himachal Pradesh and others as respondents.
The petitioner approached the court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking direction to the Tehsildar of Anni, District Kullu, to comply with an order dated 22.12.2022, passed by the Additional District Magistrate of the same district.
The Hon’ble Justice Sandeep Sharma, in his oral observations, expressed dismay at the need for the petitioner to resort to legal action due to the incompetency of government officials.
In his Oral order, he emphasized that the court found no necessity to call for a reply from the respondents, indicating the seriousness of the matter.
The order in question, issued on 22.12.2022, directed the Tehsildar to re-verify an income certificate issued in favor of Smt. Priyanka by 7.5.2022.
However, over a year and three months had elapsed without any action being taken by the concerned authorities, prompting the court to condemn the negligent approach of government officials.
He emphasized that rather than waiting for court orders, officials should proactively fulfill their responsibilities, thereby alleviating the burden on the judicial system.
The court directed the respondents to expedite the necessary action in accordance with the previous order, cautioning against further delays.
Mr. Justice Sandeep Sharma, while passing this order held that courts are being accused of huge pendency of cases but probably nobody has realized that pendency of cases in court of law is on account of indifferent and callous attitude of government officials, who instead of shouldering responsibility, not only keep on waiting for court orders, rather compel general public to approach court of law in every petty matter.
The Court directed the Additional Advocate General to place the copy of instant order before the Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh, so that necessary directions are issued to all the departments to ensure compliance of orders passed by the Court/Quasi Judicial Authorities in a time bound manner.
The judgment serves as a stern reminder to government officials to uphold their duties diligently and prioritize the welfare of the general public.
